Work-based learning (WBL) was a hot topic at last month’s National Consortium for Health Science Education (NCHSE) conference. There, Realityworks was distinguished, along with four other exhibitors, for being a source of WBL resources that align to the consortium’s newly released Work-Based Learning Guide 4.0. But what is work-based learning, and why is it so important for health science students? Keep reading to learn about the evolution of this concept. You’ll also get resources for extending your health science lessons beyond the classroom.
What is work-based learning?
Perkins V, the reauthorized federal legislation that funds Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, defines work-based learning as “sustained interactions with industry or community professionals in real workplace settings… or simulated environments at an educational institution that fosters in-depth, firsthand engagement with the tasks required in a given career field.”
At Realityworks, we’re proud of our reputation for developing innovative simulation technology for CTE programs. Our interactive tools teach skills for careers in Family & Consumer Sciences, Agriculture, the skilled trades… and of course, health science. In fact, one of the most exciting areas of growth using our simulation technology is the health science pathway.
How the pandemic affected WBL
The COVID-19 pandemic has turned health science education upside down in recent months. This is especially true as it relates to work-based learning. Most programs that placed students in healthcare institutions for job shadowing or on-the-job experience were called to a halt. As a result, students struggled to earn practicum hours for credentials or certifications.
In some cases, however, students could earn practicum hours through simulation experience. Perkins V does include simulated environments in their definition of WBL. As a result, health science CTE programs are seeking more tools they can use to create simulated environments. They’re also looking for other classroom resources for instructors on WBL.
Fast-forward to the NCHSE’s National Conference, which was held in Ohio last month. There, the consortium unveiled a brand-new WBL guide. It includes lesson plans, projects, resources, activities, and templates that create a foundation and provide support for health science WBL activities. The consortium also honored five exhibitors whose resources include WBL offerings that align to the NCHSE’s new guide. We are proud to have been one of those exhibitors.
Resources for incorporating WBL into your health science classroom
Free lesson: “Preparing for Real-World Situations.”
Although instructors often know what type of scenarios may occur at work sites, it can be difficult to prepare the students for every situation they may encounter. When students have a chance to plan ahead or practice, they are better prepared to handle challenges as they occur. While the teacher may be able to create their own scenarios from past experience, these scenario cards take the burden off the teacher or compliment the teacher’s experience and idea.
Click here to download your free lesson. You’ll find WBL alignment details, plus additional WBL resources from Realityworks.
The Work-Based Learning Tool Kit
Another helpful free resource for work-based learning is The Work-Based Learning Tool Kit. Created in 2017 by staff from the National Center for Innovation in Career Technical and Education (NCICTE) for the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education. This tool kit provides administrators with information about the key components of work-based learning. It offers guidelines and resources related to creating a state WBL strategy, engaging employers, collecting data, and scaling effective programs.
If you are interested in building your knowledge of work-based learning, we suggest starting with the framework detailed by the NCHSE here. Ask yourself how you can integrate career knowledge and skills into your content, how you can extend learning beyond the classroom and what you can do to partner with local industry and community health care professionals to strengthen your program.
Simulators that teach health science technical skills
Training tools like our ECG Simulator, Blood Pressure Simulator and Auscultation Trainer help instructors create a work-based learning environment. How? They offer students realistic, hands-on opportunities to practice and master the technical skills they’ll need to perform at real health care jobs, like interpreting an ECG, measuring and recording blood pressure or utilizing correct stethoscope placement to listen to heart, lung and bowel sounds. Real-time feedback helps students learn from their mistakes and develop correct techniques, even if practice with real patients is not possible.
You can explore all of our health science skills training tools here.
Learn more
Looking for more resources on work-based learning? Consider these:
- The NCHSE website offers abundant resources for health science professionals on work-based learning and other topics
- In our recent webinar, Using Scenario-Based Learning to Teach Critical CNA and Soft Skills, RN and Nursing Instructor Kimberly Harper joins Realityworks Product Manager Denise DuBois to review how scenarios can help teach both clinical CNA skills and important soft skills:
- Download our 2021 Health Science Catalog to explore all of the training tools we offer for health science programs