Methodology 11: How am I doing?
Introduction
Provide regular feedback and review! During a collaboration, it is important to set aside regular time to review the learning plan including the aims for the collaboration. During these evaluation and feedback process, focus should be on student’s progress so that the VET provider and the employer can identify and resolve any issues that may have arisen during the collaboration. It is an opportunity to evaluate the impact that the collaboration has had on the student’s skills development. It is an opportunity for all parties to provide feedback and agree on any changes that will help keep the program on track and strengthen the quality of the collaboration. This is a formal activity that should be included in the collaboration agreement or contract.
Examples of How am I doing? that have been piloted within the VET@work project
During workplace related projects where the student, under supervision, finishes pre-determined tasks. The student will turn in a report as well as taking photographs of the projects after the supervisor has provided feedback. The supervisor will also turn in a report on the student and his performance.
Preparation
VET Provider
In the beginning of the semester, a meeting is held with the students and the supervisors where the curriculum is introduced. It will be explained how the student should turn in before and after photos of their projects and how the project is graded.
Employer
Identify a range of tasks that will meet the curriculum.
Students
Be aware of what is expected during the period of work placement in terms of behaviour, tasks and learning.
Implementation
VET Provider
Maintain regular contact to monitor the progress of the student.
Employer
Provide support and report on student progress.
Students
Maintain a record of tasks completed and send reports/ photos of tasks completed.
After the event
VET Provider
Review progress of the student with the employer and student and award grades accordingly.
Employer
Provide feedback on learner achievement including professional and life skills.
Students
Reflect on achievement, what went well and how to improve on own performance.
Recommendations
By turning in photos of the projects on a regular basis ensures that the students are better managed. The Supervisor is responsible for the student and they assist the student with their projects. With a workplace related project, the student gets real experiences and a different view on the education and will learn from many different people in the field. The student gets the opportunity to know the company it is working for and is more likely to land a contract/apprenticeship.
Any work-based learning is a three way relationship between student, employer and training provider. Whilst the student is the centre of this relationship, it is important to get feedback from the employer and provider to recognise the progress and success of the relationship.
In UK, apprentices and work experience students on year long placements will have quarterly reviews (every 3 months) where all three parties sit down together to review the progress of the learning:
Is it meeting the needs of the employer in terms of the contribution of the student and their skills needs?
Is it meeting the needs of the student in terms of their experiences and career development?
Is it meeting the needs of the training provider in terms of the curriculum?
A formal meeting is organised where each party has the opportunity to explain how effective the programme is and how it could be improved. The result of the meeting is a better understanding of how effective the experience is and where possible, adapt the experience to meet all needs.
Preparation
VET Provider
Dates should be set in advance and time set for a full and frank discussion. Ideally this should be a face-to-face meeting in an informal friendly setting. A set Agenda should be followed to allow each party to give their feedback.
If the VET Provider knows that there are issues that may arise, it is important to anticipate them and have a plan of action to resolve any difficulties.
Employer
Confirm the schedule of meetings and ensure the relevant supervisor/ employee can attend.
Students
Ensure that the dates are available for you to attend.
Implementation
VET Provider
Usually, it is the VET Provider who facilitates the meeting and encourages the student to articulate their feelings as they may sometimes be shy and reserved talking in front of their employer.
Employer
Provide constructive feedback (positive and negative) of what is going well, how the student could improve on their performance. Identify any areas where collaboration between the three parties could be improved.
Students
Provide constructive feedback (positive and negative) of what is going well, what could be improved from their perspective. Identify any areas where collaboration between the three parties could be improved.
After the event
VET Provider
Be sure to record the outcomes and act on any changes needed to ensure there is confidence and trust in the relationship. It may be that a follow up meeting is required to ensure changes are made and the next quarterly review should be scheduled well in advance. Address any issues raised and maintain contact with all parties.
Employer
Address any issues raised and maintain contact with all parties.
Students
Address any issues raised and maintain contact with all parties.
Recommendations
A formal review carried out periodically is a good way to stop and reflect on the effectiveness of the training. It provides an opportunity for all parties to hear what each other thinks about the progress being made. Be sure to plan these meetings well ahead and prepare a formal Agenda which is shared before hand
Talk to the student to help them to express how they feel about their experience especially if things are not going as well as expected.
If things are not going well, don’t wait until the formal review to intervene and address any issues quickly.
