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Exploring the challenges of professional accreditation work integrated learning policies: An environmental health higher education perspective
Abstract

Exploring the challenges of professional accreditation work integrated learning policies: An environmental health higher education perspective

Louise Dunn, Rosemary Nicolson, Jacques Oosthuizen, Toni Hannelly, James Wood, Jane-Louise Lampard, Zoe Murray, Anne H Roiko and Kirstin Ross
Proceedings of the 2016 Australian Collaborative Education Network National Conference, p.139
Australian Collaborative Education Network (ACEN) National Conference: WIL 2020: Pushing the boundaries, 2016 (Sydney, Australia, 28-Sep-2016–30-Sep-2016)
2016
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http://acen.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/ACEN-2016-Proceedings.pdfView
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Abstract

Curriculum and Pedagogy course accreditation environmental health education work experience work integrated learning
Recognition to practise as an Environmental Health Practitioner in Australia generally requires the completion of a professionally-accredited tertiary qualification which includes a work placement or a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) component. This presentation discusses an informal review undertaken by course convenors involved in the provision of such programs in Australia, in conjunction with the professional body Environmental Health Australia. The review involved identifying the current strengths, weakness and challenges of current WIL offerings in professionally-accredited environmental health programs, together with a review of the Environmental Health Australia (EHA) course accreditation WIL policy requirements. This process identified a range of challenges including the need to develop a common understanding of what constitutes a WIL activity. The presentation argues that future WIL professional accreditation policy in this area requires recognition of these challenges and a shift from focusing on a specific work placement period to the development of a framework to identify how different WIL approaches contribute to graduate employability. For example, how to assess the contribution of a work integrated learning activity to the development of a graduate for professional practice in environmental health. In doing so, further consultation with the environmental health profession is required to assist in this process.

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