Using learning environments to create meaningful work for co-op students

Citation

Nevison, C., Drewery, D., Pretti, J., & Cormier, L. (2016). Using learning environments to create meaningful work for co-op students. Higher Education Research & Development, 1-16.

Authors

Colleen Nevison at University of Waterloo David Drewery at University of Waterloo Lauren Cormier at University of Waterloo T. Judene Pretti at University of Waterloo

Keywords

student perception

Related Institutions

University of Waterloo / Waterloo / Canada

Abstract

For students in cooperative education (co-op) programs, meaningful work is a critical aspect of participation and a key component of program success. However, studies have not explored how meaningful work can be created for co-op students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between co-op students’ perceptions of a learning environment, perceived relatedness of the work experience (to their potential careers and to their academic studies), and self-reported meaningfulness of work. Data were collected from undergraduate co-op students in a Canadian university immediately following a co-op work term. Results from testing a parallel mediation model showed that both forms of relatedness partially mediated the influence of learning environments on self-reported meaningfulness. These findings offer insight into the ways in which work terms can be designed to enhance co-op students’ work experiences.

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