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National and international calls for increased work-integrated learning (WIL) offerings have increased in the last decade. Although previous research on WIL engagement has explored population-specific barriers experienced during participation, a gap exists on barriers experienced by students across the participation spectrum, including those who choose not to participate. This study sought to investigate students' perspectives of the barriers to engaging in an optional unpaid field placement. Grounded in the transtheoretical stages of behavior change model, a mixed-methods convergent parallel design was used. Data from 110 surveys and 17 semi-structured interviews with students were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results are presented in relation to stages of behavioral change, barriers to engagement, and moderating factors, including perceived value of WIL and self-efficacy. Findings from this study support the need for future research to explore promotional and intervention strategies aligned with stages of behavior change to increase students' decisions to engage in WIL participation.

This paper describes a case study of how situated learning and community of practice theory were applied to the design and delivery of activities and learning assessments in a remote WIL course in a master-level Kinesiology program, supporting students' learning in professional placements. The rationale and theoretical grounding for the course design and delivery are described, as well as practical considerations of how it was structured to assess student learning. A framework is proposed to inform the design of future WIL courses to best support the development of student professional identity development. Recommendations are posed for future study.

As work-integrated learning (WIL) expands in higher education, there is increasing attention on ensuring equitable access and inclusion for all students. These challenges are not unique to WIL, albeit WIL has some unique facets, but are pertinent to all parts of higher education and society more broadly. The WIL community recognizes that equity, diversity, and inclusion is their most significant professional development need, and with scholarship slowly on the rise, it is timely for a Special Issue dedicated to the topic within the context of WIL. This Special Issue includes 12 papers exploring equity, access, and inclusion within the context of WIL. Emergent themes include language, common barriers, disclosure, considerations for inclusive workplaces, curriculum, and assessments, as well as critical reflection, partnering with students, and resilience. It is intended that this Special Issue will continue the advancement of the journey for a more equitable society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article highlights the disparities between socially advantaged students and those who identify as equity deserving while accessing work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities. While governmental investments have aimed to broaden WIL access, persistent inequities have emphasized the need for a critical examination of oppressive systems within WIL. Using an anti-oppressive pedagogical lens, this article proposes actionable strategies to enrich WIL programs, with a particular emphasis on students facing systemic oppression. WIL educators, as key change agents, are uniquely positioned to engage in critical action that disrupts deep-rooted inequities. As further presented in the article, disrupting oppressive WIL practices may include 1) discovering one’s positionality as a WIL educator; 2) exposing and addressing workplace discrimination; and 3) facilitating critical reflection in the classroom regarding students’ WIL experiences. Recognizing the intersection between WIL and anti-oppressive practices offers a path toward greater access for all students, thereby fostering enhanced programs within higher education institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

National and international calls for increased work-integrated learning (WIL) offerings have increased in the last decade. Although previous research on WIL engagement has explored population-specific barriers experienced during participation, a gap exists on barriers experienced by students across the participation spectrum, including those who choose not to participate. This study sought to investigate students' perspectives of the barriers to engaging in an optional unpaid field placement. Grounded in the transtheoretical stages of behavior change model, a mixed-methods convergent parallel design was used. Data from 110 surveys and 17 semi-structured interviews with students were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results are presented in relation to stages of behavioral change, barriers to engagement, and moderating factors, including perceived value of WIL and self-efficacy. Findings from this study support the need for future research to explore promotional and intervention strategies aligned with stages of behavior change to increase students' decisions to engage in WIL participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a case study of how situated learning and community of practice theory were applied to the design and delivery of activities and learning assessments in a remote WIL course in a master-level Kinesiology program, supporting students' learning in professional placements. The rationale and theoretical grounding for the course design and delivery are described, as well as practical considerations of how it was structured to assess student learning. A framework is proposed to inform the design of future WIL courses to best support the development of student professional identity development. Recommendations are posed for future study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]