Pedagogy of WBL
Darche and her colleagues (2009a, p. 97) conducted case studies of 13 WBL sites in
California and identified eight high-quality pedagogical strategies for WBL, based on
a literature review and expert interviews:
1. Experiences offer in-depth engagement that reinforces academic and technical
content and promotes higher-order thinking skills.
2. Opportunities are provided for exposure to communities of practice and social
networks that support cognitive, social, personal, and career development.
3. Opportunities are provided for rotation among positions and functions with
exposure to multiple supervisors for career development purposes as well as
enhanced learning.
4. Opportunities are provided for reflection about the experiences and their
connection to classroom learning and students’ personal interests.
5. Learning opportunities in the workplace or community are identified and aligned
with standards.
6. Learning objectives are specified through learning plans and monitored through
close communication between teachers and employers.
7. Students receive close supervision from teachers or coordinators.
8. Student performance is assessed and documented, with active input from the
employer, client or community.