Student Selection Framework for work-integrated learning experiences: Enhancing the decision-making process for assigning students

Abstract

Introduction

Approximately 50 % of post-secondary students attend work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences. In an undergraduate nursing program, the student selection team assigns students to each available WIL experience, but there are no known frameworks to guide this decision-making process. This paper describes the Student Selection Framework (SSF) developed by nursing faculty to support the decision-making process. The purpose of sharing this work is to fill a gap in the literature on structured processes for assigning students to WIL experiences.

Background literature

While there is some literature about the placement process from a broader perspective, there is a gap in the literature about the decision-making process of selecting students for WIL experiences.

Discussion

The Student Selection Framework highlights several factors to consider, including student placement preference; student placement history; student supporting statement; instructor feedback and recommendation; cumulative grade point average; and student self-reflection. This initiative has been modified over four terms to enhance the selection process.

Conclusion

Implementing this framework has resulted in refined objectivity of student selection, enhanced transparency of the selection process, and efficiency of student placement decisions. The Student Selection Framework can be used as a guide and modified by post-secondary faculty who assign students to WIL experiences in practice disciplines.