What's in a Name? A Reference Guide to Work-Education Experiences

Overview & Synopsis

Although a multitude of programs in higher education integrate formal pedagogy with practical work experience (e.g., internships, practicum, and cooperative education), their underlying logic is largely the same: to enhance the value of the learning experience through an integration of work and education. To date, however, there appears to be no generally accepted term to describe the overall category of programs. Without reference to a general descriptor, researchers and practitioners may find it more difficult to fully understand and appreciate the differences and similarities among the myriad of programs. The purpose of this article, therefore, is twofold: (1) to propose an umbrella term that describes the overall category of programs and (2) to provide a reference guide that describes the fundamentals of each program. In doing so, this article is intended to contribute to this important discussion.