Employers' perceptions of cooperative work experience programs on the secondary and postsecondary levels differ in emphasis as well as structure. Employers in postsecondary programs tend to derive more economic benefits. Both groups find co-op a good recruitment tool. (SK)

Identifies the constructive elements of learning and teaching that can be employed in cooperative education programs. Work experience can enhance student motivation and confidence; help clarify goals; and provide reinforcement, rewards, and opportunities for practicing desired learning behaviors. (SK)

The authors focus on a work experience program for mildly intellectually impaired children. The design and results of the program evaluation are outlined using a systems model to conceptualize its inputs, process, and outputs. (Author/SB)

Addresses are given for the 4 Experience-Based Career Education (EBCE) demonstration sites, the 12 EBCE pilot sites, and the 9 market demand sites. Names and addresses are provided of persons who may be contacted for further information. (AJ)

University of Ulster students undertake mandatory 1-year paid work placements. A survey of those in informatics and math/science/computing indicated they developed skills and a realistic concept of work. A web portal is being developed to provide placement resources for students and faculty. (Contains 17 references.) (SK)

German participants in vocational training have the opportunity to gain practical work experience abroad. The project requires close cooperation among educational institutions, companies, chambers of commerce, and European Union entities. It has the potential to enhance the German dual training system with internationally portable qualifications.…

Cooperative education in an underused program despite demonstrated benefits for the integration of educational and career goals. Computerized program management can streamline operations and increase its use. (SK)

Cooperative education coordinators should market their work experience programs to college-bound students. The combination of career-specific work experience and appropriate course work can expose college-bound students to career options, prepare them for higher education, and give them job skills. (SK)

In a survey of 303 cooperative engineering students, those in higher grade levels experienced more career growth from their latest co-op job. Few differences between third- and fourth-year students suggest that students benefit most from their first three co-op quarters. (SK)

School-to-work legislation calls for local partnerships to develop curriculum that integrates academic and vocational courses and links school-based and work-based learning. In at least 37 states, individualized state and local partnership systems exist. Contains 11 references and cites a program that brings teachers into the workplace. (MLF)

Discusses the creation of a program of accredited work-based learning (learning at and through work that earns college credit) for emergency nurse practitioners. Highlights the challenges of collaboration with purchasers of education and nonnurse colleagues in creating an appropriate learning environment outside university control. (Contains 28…

This paper examines the contribution of work-based learning (WBL) to the education of construction students. The research draws on the experiences of part-time students and students on sandwich courses in a School of the Built Environment. The sandwich courses include a year in industry as the penultimate year of a four-year programme. This WBL…

A description of the functioning, problems, and coordinator roles for Washington State's Community Involvement Program--a systematic effort to place students off-campus in practical learning situations that will augment their formal classroom training--now operating in Washington's 27 community colleges. (DC)