Make or break: the role and support needs of academic advisors in work-integrated learning courses

Kathryn E Wenham; Faith Valencia-Forrester; Bridget Backhaus

doi:10.1080/07294360.2019.1705254

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Make or break: the role and support needs of academic advisors in work-integrated learning courses

Journal article

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Make or break: the role and support needs of academic advisors in work-integrated learning courses

Kathryn E Wenham, Faith Valencia-Forrester and Bridget Backhaus

Higher Education Research & Development, Vol.39(5), pp.1026-1039

2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2019.1705254

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Abstract

academic advisor

roles and responsibilities

support

work-integrated learning

supervision

The role of academic advisors in work-integrated learning courses is crucial to student success, yet poorly understood. This research aimed to understand the role and support needs of academic advisors by conducting interviews, a survey, and a focus group within a service learning program in Queensland, Australia. Participants identified rewards in observing student transformation and supporting students to contribute to social justice causes. However, the role had high demands in terms of pastoral support. Although academic advisors reported strong support mechanisms, they identified gaps in supporting them to meet the needs of international students and students with mental health issues. Academic advisors need strong mentoring or supervisory support to deal with diverse student issues, clear processes for tracking and managing students, training and resources to deal with special needs students, and opportunities for team building and bonding. Supporting academic advisors could help to better support students to successfully complete internships.

Details

Title: Make or break: the role and support needs of academic advisors in work-integrated learning courses
Authors: Kathryn E Wenham (Author) - Griffith University
Faith Valencia-Forrester (Author) - Griffith University
Bridget Backhaus (Author) - Griffith University
Publication details: Higher Education Research & Development, Vol.39(5), pp.1026-1039
Publisher: Routledge
Date published: 2020
DOI: 10.1080/07294360.2019.1705254
ISSN: 0729-4360
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Public Health
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451104502621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Education & Educational Research

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