Providing research-focused work-integrated learning for high achieving science undergraduates

Work-integrated learning has become an integral part of many undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, both in Australia and internationally. Such programs vary in structure, timeframe and discipline type, with concomitant amounts of support, assessment and evaluation. Their value to students, industry partners and higher education institutions, while of considerable potential, depends on a range of factors including the level of resourcing (i.e. level of funding, involvement of a project coordinator, strength of communication among participants), how optimally matched students are to projects, and the use of evaluation and reflection tools to refine and improve them. This paper reports on the development, implementation and evaluation of an inaugural research-oriented WIL program for high-achieving science students at Monash University. The research-related nature of this WIL program has been of considerable value to students and industry partners. Further, it has established ongoing links between the University and industry partners, and provides a strong foundation for establishing a faculty coordinated WIL program.