Engagement and Employability through the Communication and Media Clinic: 'Should Happen Way Earlier, Even in Year One'
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| Title: | Engagement and Employability through the Communication and Media Clinic: 'Should Happen Way Earlier, Even in Year One' |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Alice Dodd, Rebecca Somerfield |
| Source: | International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning. 2026 27(1):135-149. |
| Availability: | New Zealand Association for Cooperative Education. University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand. Tel: +64-7-838-4892; e-mail: editor@ijwil.org; Web site: https://www.ijwil.org/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 15 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Employment Potential, Work Based Learning, College Students, Authentic Learning, Performance Based Assessment, Communications, Foreign Countries, Student Attitudes, Learner Engagement |
| Geographic Terms: | Australia |
| Abstract: | Employability is now a key graduate attribute driving the design of curriculum in Australian universities. The value of embedding authentic assessment and work-integrated learning in programs to promote employability as a learning outcome is now recognized. This action research case study presents final year communications students' perspectives of their learning experience and outcomes after working with nonprofit clients in the Communication and Media Clinic, a pilot program developed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience and outcomes by embedding authentic learning activities and assessment in courses in the Communication and Media program at the University of South Australia. Semi-structured interviews and reflections revealed that working with real clients in the clinic was engaging and enhanced employability. Students would like more WIL across all levels in their program. This article presents the challenges and actions in gathering and responding to the students' voice to codesign the Communication and Media Clinic. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1506578 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Employability is now a key graduate attribute driving the design of curriculum in Australian universities. The value of embedding authentic assessment and work-integrated learning in programs to promote employability as a learning outcome is now recognized. This action research case study presents final year communications students' perspectives of their learning experience and outcomes after working with nonprofit clients in the Communication and Media Clinic, a pilot program developed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience and outcomes by embedding authentic learning activities and assessment in courses in the Communication and Media program at the University of South Australia. Semi-structured interviews and reflections revealed that working with real clients in the clinic was engaging and enhanced employability. Students would like more WIL across all levels in their program. This article presents the challenges and actions in gathering and responding to the students' voice to codesign the Communication and Media Clinic. |
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