EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Experiential learning or learning from experience at Walter Sisulu University is made up of two areas: Work-integrated learning and service-learning.
WORK-INTERGRATED LEARNING

MISSION

Work-integrated learning’s mission is to promote and extend the learning process into the workplace through experiential learning.

WHAT IS WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING?

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) is a structured educational strategy integrating classroom studies with practical work experience in a field related to a student’s academic or career goals.

Promoting experiential learning

The Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Unit (formerly Department of Co-operative Education) at WSU was established to facilitate and promote the philosophy and application of WIL (also known as experiential learning) at the University.

The WIL programme supports the WSU mission in pursuit of its vision as a developmental university.

The university has established partnerships with a variety of businesses, government departments, community organizations and non-government organisations (NGOs) to facilitate the placement of students for work-integrated learning.

WIL benefits

All parties to WIL (students, employers and educational institution) benefit from this partnership.

Experiential learning time frames differ

The period of experiential learning varies from programme to programme, for example, Engineering and Hospitality Management students spend a year (six months during second year and another six months during their final year of study) in industry.

WIL process

Firstly, a contract of employment which regulates the partnership is entered into between the student and the employer during the experiential learning period.

MANAGEMENT OF WIL

Work-Integrated Learning is managed through three areas:

WHY WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING?

Benefits for the student

WIL adds a dimension to a student’s education that cannot be acquired in the traditional lecture room setting as most students who have completed WIL assignments testify.

Advantages for the employer

Advantages for the University

STUDENT SERVICES

Work-preparedness programme

Before students leave for the industry they go through an orientation programme or work-preparedness programme.

Placement

During placement, the following takes place:

Work-Integrated events

Business breakfasts

Business breakfast is held annually at each of the four WSU campuses.

Career expo

This event is organised by the WIL Unit in partnership with the Centre for Teaching Learning Development (CLTD), Student Affairs, and the Marketing, Communication and Development (MCD) Unit.

Advisory board meetings

Walter Sisulu University, as an engaged university offering a comprehensive range of programmes, supports two-way communication on academic matters between the University, external stakeholders and the community it serves.

FACULTY OF BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT SCIENCE AND LAW (ALL SITES)

Ms Nombeko Dwesini
Senior Coordinator: Work-Integrated Learning Unit
Telephone 043 709 4076

FACULTY OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (ALL SITES)

Vacant
Coordinator: Work-Integrated Learning Unit
Telephone 043 709 4090

FACULTY OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (CHISELHURST)

Ms Refiloe Khitsane
Acting Administrative Officer
Telephone 043 709 4030

FACULTIES OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, AND BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT SCIENCE AND LAW (COLLEGE STREET AND POTSDAM)

Ms Nontsikelelo Moyikwa
Administrative Officer
Telephone 043 702 9250

FACULTIES OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, AND BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT SCIENCE AND LAW (IBIKA)

Ms Ntombi Mfundisi
Administrative Officer
Telephone 047 401 6134

WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING ACADEMIC CO-ORDINATORS

FACULTY OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

FACULTY OF BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT SCIENCE AND LAW

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