POLICY: EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

1. PREAMBLE Experiential learning is the process of making meaning from direct experience and an interplay between theory and practice. It is learning through reflection on doing. Experiential learning as an educational method facilitates the exposure of students to realistic experiences and important contextual characteristics of relevant disciplines. The university expresses its comprehensive nature by including experiential learning components in some of its qualifications. Experiential learning at UNISA includes work integrated learning and simulated work experience. 2. AIM The policy supplements the Tuition Policy and aims to provide guidelines for standards and procedures for experiential learning at UNISA. 3. DEFINITIONS Work integrated learning (WIL) means educational activities that integrate theory and practice in work-based contexts. These learning activities are assessed by the university and contribute to exit-level outcomes of a qualification; means a host organisation that receives students and provides services and resources to promote a students learning; means a suitably qualified, experienced (preferably professionally registered) person at a host organisation who will supervise and mentor the student for the duration of the WIL module; means the learning and teaching technologies used to create artificial learning environments to enhance or replace a students actual experience with the world of work through simulations. For example, live projects, case studies, employer talks, role play, mentoring, e-simulations, etc; means the set of procedures approved by Senate and entitled Framework for the implementation of a team approach to curriculum and learning development at UNISA. These procedures are meant to implement the Tuition Policy of the university.

Experiential learning provider

Mentor

Simulated work experience (SWE)

Framework for a Team Approach

4.

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 4.1 4.2 UNISA is an ODL institution and experiential learning must be designed with this in mind. Experiential learning modules are developed to form part of the overall curriculum using the Framework for a Team Approach and taking into account all applicable legislation and policies.

Approved Council 29 July 2005 Revision approved Council 24.06.2011

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The notional hours required for completing an experiential learning module must be taken into consideration in designing the module. A 12 credit module is equivalent to 15 working days. Experiential learning modules provide students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to familiarise themselves with work practices and to develop their self-knowledge and interpersonal relations. The offering of experiential learning modules is an institutional responsibility and UNISA is accountable to report to statutory, professional and/or vocational bodies. UNISA is a comprehensive university hence some of its qualifications must contain experiential learning. 4.6.1 Higher Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Diplomas typically include experiential learning as part of the curriculum. All other qualifications may include experiential learning when deemed necessary by the programme design.

4.4

4.5 4.6

4.6.2 5.

WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING The following guidelines and standards are applicable for work integrated learning (WIL): 5.1 WIL modules require a student to be placed with an experiential learning provider and it is UNISAs obligation to place the student. The offering of a WIL module requires a tripartite relationship between UNISA, the experiential learning provider and the student. UNISA will ensure that the necessary agreements are concluded to regulate the relationship between the institution, the student and the experiential learning provider. WIL modules are monitored by academic employees and assessed by both experiential learning provider and academic employees through collaboration of the academic employee, mentor and experiential provider.

5.2

5.3

6.

SIMULATIONS The following guidelines and standards are applicable for simulations: 6.1 SWE provides simulated learning environments to integrate theory and practice in relevant working contexts. UNISA will ensure that all students registered for a simulation module have access to the relevant technologies through its regional networks. SWE modules are developed, monitored and assessed by academic employees.

6.2

6.3 7.

IMPLEMENTATION A Senate approved Procedural Manual on Experiential Learning will govern the implementation of this Policy. The Manual will, inter alia, provide for the following: 7.1 7.2 7.3 Responsibilities and procedures for concluding agreements. Principles of good practice for all experiential learning activities. Guidelines for technology-based assessment mechanisms for experiential learning modules.
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Approved Council 29 July 2005 Revision approved Council 24.06.2011

2011 UNISA All rights reserved

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Guidelines for assessing students in WIL modules. Guidelines and best practice suggestions for SWE modules. Transparent systems of assessment tracking and record keeping. Guidelines for placing students with experiential learning provider organisations. Guidelines for professional conduct to assist students before placement.

Approved Council 29 July 2005 Revision approved Council 24.06.2011

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2011 UNISA All rights reserved