This book supports students on foundation degrees and degrees in Early Years and Early Childhood Studies that have a work-based element. An essential introduction to becoming a professional in the sector, it begins by looking at work-based learning and goes on to cover study, research skills and essential subject knowledge. It includes activities to help students increase their confidence and get the most out of their course. Essential information on Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) considers the current scene and the future of the sector.

Written specifically for education studies students, this accessible text offers a clear introduction to placements and work-based learning, providing an insight into work in schools and education settings. Including case studies to illustrate the diversity of placements and workplace opportunities, it explores the theory and practice of working in educational contexts and supports students as they develop the skills and aptitudes that enhance their employability. With the aim of helping students to prepare for and get the most out of their work placements, chapters include: the nature of work-based learning on placement; preparing for your placement; placements in schools and other educational settings; learning on field trips and study visits; working with students with specific learning difficulties/dyslexia on placement; international placements. Part of the Foundations of Education Studies series, this textbook is essential reading for students undertaking courses in Childhood Studies, Child and Youth Studies and Education Studies.

This book supports students on foundation degrees and degrees in Early Years and Early Childhood Studies that have a work-based element. An essential introduction to becoming a professional in the sector, it begins by looking at work-based learning and goes on to cover study, research skills and essential subject knowledge. It includes activities to help students increase their confidence and get the most out of their course. Essential information on Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) considers the current scene and the future of the sector.

"Studying early years in the work place in order to gain further qualifications and awards provides many exciting yet challenging opportunities for practitioners. In order to become a reflective student and practitioner researcher it is imperative to think critically, analyse, explore and evaluate ideas or concepts in more depth. This book provides a framework for developing these important skills as well as providing support for the challenges and changes that early years practitioners face on a day-to-day basis. It provides ideas and strategies for identifying a personal learning style in order to use work experiences effectively for a variety of work-based assignments."--Back cover.

This is a key text for all those undertaking placements or work-based learning (WBL) in early years settings. Taking a practical approach underpinned by theory and research, it guides student practitioners through their WBL to help them achieve an outstanding experience. There is a focus on the variety of child, parent and practitioner perspectives plus case studies involving the full range of ages from across the early years. While it is invaluable in answering key questions about placements it also encourages a reflective and critical approach throughout that develops and promotes professionalism. It is completely up to date with the latest Early Years Foundation Stage and includes reference to the Early Years Teachers' Standards.

This important book is for anyone who wants to make the most of work-based learning: employees, employers, educationalists, policy makers and researchers. It sheds light on ways of giving full-time employees the chance to take up learning opportunities which are of the same level and rigour as those on offer to the full time student. It approaches the subject from the perspective of the learner, drawing on case studies to provide detailed insight. It suggests that universities already have in place much of the machinery needed to support learners who are in work: they just don't make enough use of it. Look closely and you will find a substantial legacy of this kind of activity by universities. This is a book about seizing opportunities. In one volume, Understanding Work-Based Learning makes a valuable contribution to current employer engagement and learner demand debates, and provides first hand learner experiences to guide existing and potential work based learners, employers, educationalists, policy makers, and researchers.

Work-based learning is Joe Raelin’s unique way of incorporating a number of action strategies—such as action learning, action science, and communities of practice—into a comprehensive framework to help people learn collectively with others. In this thoroughly updated and revised edition, he demonstrates how to engage our reflective powers to challenge those taken-for-granted assumptions that unwittingly hold us back from questioning standard ways of operating. A well-known popular author, Joe is an avid student of the many traditions that support work-based learning, so he presents an inclusive model that has wide appeal across disciplines and occupations. He provides readers with the most recent updates in the field, such as his coverage of virtual team learning, portfolios, multisource feedback, critical and global action learning, and changes in educational policy. Whether you're an organizational or college educator, this book will help you make learning accessible to everyone—and even contagious within your organization!