Utilizing a fun model: Supporting students' wellbeing in project-based work-integrated learning

Project-based work-integrated learning (PBWIL) is a unique type of WIL practice where students engage collaboratively on industry projects, addressing the needs of industry partners under the guidance of a teacher/educator. This complex pedagogical approach requires deep expertise from educators in securing industry partnerships, managing student groups, and providing essential learning support while also monitoring and supporting students' wellbeing. While PBWIL is seen as an effective and scalable WIL model, it exposes students to stressors that can negatively impact their wellbeing. In this paper, researchers present findings from a twelvemonth group-based autoethnography, exploring the implementation of a fun model (Hains-Wesson et al., 2023) to improve students' PBWIL experiences. The findings underscore the importance of purposefully integrating fun into PBWIL to enhance positive emotions and relationships among students, aligning with positive psychology principles. The paper concludes by offering key recommendations on instigating fun in PBWIL environments using a tested fun model.