Work-integrated learning (WIL) courses have become increasingly prevalent in higher education to support the development of employability skills among university students. However, no existing study has used a case study approach to demonstrate how the employability skills development of students in WIL can be effectively measured with multiple dimensions in an Asian context. Our study employs a longitudinal, mixed-methods approach to examine the development of employability skills among HKMU students in a 1-year human service WIL course comprising 13-week lectures and tutorials, followed by a 13-week practicum of at least 70 hours. The employability skills of students enrolled in the WIL course are assessed at three time points (i.e., pre-WIL lecture, post-lecture/pre-practicum, and post-practicum) to evaluate students’ learning and development through (i) self-assessment and (ii) focus group interviews (n = 26). Corroborating the students’ self-reports, individual and group interviews are also conducted with practicum site supervisors (n = 11) to explore the students’ observed development. Both qualitative and quantitative findings from students and field supervisors support that our WIL course generally facilitates the students’ development of employability skills, including holistic competencies (e.g., interpersonal and leadership competencies, problem-solving and critical thinking, self-understanding and resilience), patience, empathy, a better understanding of the target service population, and mental preparedness for job search in the field of human services. The case study provides a practical framework for effectively assessing employability skills development in WIL courses with multiple dimensions, along with insights to enhance reflective teaching and learning practices on WIL in higher education.

Authors:
Ling Fung Tony Chow, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong
Sara Tze Kwan Li, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong

About the Presenter(s)
Mr. Tony Chow is an Assistant Lecturer of Psychology from the Department of Social Sciences, Hong Kong Metropolitan Univesrity. His research focused on interpersonal relationships and socio-emotional competencies among emerging adults.

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