The Use of Work-Simulated Learning in a Strategic Integrated Communication Module to Bridge the Gap between Theory and Practice: A Reflection of the Experiential Learning Pathway of Faculty

This article explored the integration of Work-Simulated Learning to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Due to contextual factors, students from North-West University, South Africa cannot participate in Work-Integrated Learning within a Strategic Integrated Communication module. To address t...

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Main Authors: Jacobus Marthinus De Villiers, Anette Degenaar, Chilombo Banda
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Noyam Journals 2024-10-01
Series:Journal of Education and Learning Technology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://noyam.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/JELT2024586.pdf
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author Jacobus Marthinus De Villiers
Anette Degenaar
Chilombo Banda
author_facet Jacobus Marthinus De Villiers
Anette Degenaar
Chilombo Banda
author_sort Jacobus Marthinus De Villiers
collection DOAJ
description This article explored the integration of Work-Simulated Learning to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Due to contextual factors, students from North-West University, South Africa cannot participate in Work-Integrated Learning within a Strategic Integrated Communication module. To address this issue, faculty at North-West University incorporated Simulation-Based Learning within their module. A qualitative research approach was executed to gain insights into the faculty’s experiences regarding the implementation of Work-Simulated Learning as an experiential learning approach. Utilising Gibbs’s (1988) reflective cycle, this study explored module instructors’ perceptions of using Work-Simulated Learning. Findings suggest that instructors viewed the inclusion of Work-Simulated Learning as a practical approach to bridging the gap between theory and practice in the absence of Work-Integrated Learning. Due to the positive experiences highlighted by the instructors, this study recommends the incorporation of Work-Simulated Learning to enhance student readiness by not only mimicking industry but also by including industry in the formulation of Work-Simulated Learning scenarios. The main conclusion of the study emphasised the experiences of lecturers at the North-West University regarding the incorporation of Work-Simulated Learning as an alternative to Work-Integrated Learning to enhance student engagement and increase career development.
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spelling doaj-art-3fe12b2af0e64e2b9353d8a6e31b272b2025-08-20T02:28:32ZengNoyam JournalsJournal of Education and Learning Technology2720-77302024-10-0158329346https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.2024586The Use of Work-Simulated Learning in a Strategic Integrated Communication Module to Bridge the Gap between Theory and Practice: A Reflection of the Experiential Learning Pathway of FacultyJacobus Marthinus De Villiers0https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7789-117XAnette Degenaar1https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2767-5986Chilombo Banda2https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4107-4527School of Communication, Faculty of Humanities, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark Campus Vanderbijlpark, South AfricaSchool of Communication, Faculty of Humanities, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus Potchefstroom, South AfricaSchool of Communication, Faculty of Humanities, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus Mafikeng, South Africa.This article explored the integration of Work-Simulated Learning to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Due to contextual factors, students from North-West University, South Africa cannot participate in Work-Integrated Learning within a Strategic Integrated Communication module. To address this issue, faculty at North-West University incorporated Simulation-Based Learning within their module. A qualitative research approach was executed to gain insights into the faculty’s experiences regarding the implementation of Work-Simulated Learning as an experiential learning approach. Utilising Gibbs’s (1988) reflective cycle, this study explored module instructors’ perceptions of using Work-Simulated Learning. Findings suggest that instructors viewed the inclusion of Work-Simulated Learning as a practical approach to bridging the gap between theory and practice in the absence of Work-Integrated Learning. Due to the positive experiences highlighted by the instructors, this study recommends the incorporation of Work-Simulated Learning to enhance student readiness by not only mimicking industry but also by including industry in the formulation of Work-Simulated Learning scenarios. The main conclusion of the study emphasised the experiences of lecturers at the North-West University regarding the incorporation of Work-Simulated Learning as an alternative to Work-Integrated Learning to enhance student engagement and increase career development.https://noyam.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/JELT2024586.pdfwork-simulated learningsimulation-based learningexperiential learninggibbs reflective cyclestrategic integrated communication
spellingShingle Jacobus Marthinus De Villiers
Anette Degenaar
Chilombo Banda
The Use of Work-Simulated Learning in a Strategic Integrated Communication Module to Bridge the Gap between Theory and Practice: A Reflection of the Experiential Learning Pathway of Faculty
Journal of Education and Learning Technology
work-simulated learning
simulation-based learning
experiential learning
gibbs reflective cycle
strategic integrated communication
title The Use of Work-Simulated Learning in a Strategic Integrated Communication Module to Bridge the Gap between Theory and Practice: A Reflection of the Experiential Learning Pathway of Faculty
title_full The Use of Work-Simulated Learning in a Strategic Integrated Communication Module to Bridge the Gap between Theory and Practice: A Reflection of the Experiential Learning Pathway of Faculty
title_fullStr The Use of Work-Simulated Learning in a Strategic Integrated Communication Module to Bridge the Gap between Theory and Practice: A Reflection of the Experiential Learning Pathway of Faculty
title_full_unstemmed The Use of Work-Simulated Learning in a Strategic Integrated Communication Module to Bridge the Gap between Theory and Practice: A Reflection of the Experiential Learning Pathway of Faculty
title_short The Use of Work-Simulated Learning in a Strategic Integrated Communication Module to Bridge the Gap between Theory and Practice: A Reflection of the Experiential Learning Pathway of Faculty
title_sort use of work simulated learning in a strategic integrated communication module to bridge the gap between theory and practice a reflection of the experiential learning pathway of faculty
topic work-simulated learning
simulation-based learning
experiential learning
gibbs reflective cycle
strategic integrated communication
url https://noyam.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/JELT2024586.pdf
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