WIL AUSTRALIA VIC/TAS CHAPTER LED CONVERSATION
20 February 2025
13:00 AET
Date:
Time:
13:00 AET
Location:
Online
WIL Communities of Practice: Research into Institutional Practices
This webinar will outline the findings from a recent study into the existence of WIL Communities of Practice (CoPs) at WIL Australia’s member institutions. CoPs are important vehicles for sharing knowledge and practice within and across institutions to support practitioners and academics in their roles (Lave & Wenger, 1991; Tummons, 2024). Through surveys and interviews, this research project sought to understand, among other things: the proportion of ACEN member institutions that have WIL CoPs; what the key features and functions are of these CoPs; and insights into key enablers and challenges in facilitating effective CoPs. Numerous interviewees suggested ACEN provide some resources and guidance to support the development of WIL CoPs. Draft terms of reference and guidelines will be showcased and canvassed for discussion and feedback.
Presenters
Leoni Russell
RMIT University
Leoni Russell is the Lead, Employability and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in the Employability and Careers Education team at RMIT University. Leoni provides academic support to build staff capability across a range of educational strategies including industry partnered learning, work integrated learning (WIL), career development learning (CDL) and the embedding of employability initiatives into curriculum. Leoni has extensive experience in WIL policy, governance, national research and facilitating professional development to support WIL practice. Leoni is a member of the WIL Australia Conference and Awards committee and is the current secretary for the Vic/Tas chapter.
Julian Lee
RMIT University
Julian Lee is Associate Dean, Global and Language Studies, in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies at RMIT University. He is a member of RMIT’s Social Equity Research Centre, and a member of its Language, Culture and International Education theme group. He is co-editor of the open access edited volume, A Skilled Hand and a Cultivated Mind: A Culture of Learning and Teaching at RMIT University.
Rachael Baron
La Trobe University
Rachael is the Program Coordinator of the Professional Placement subjects leading to an Industry Placement Minor at La Trobe University. Rachael is a collaborative WIL educator, has a Master of Education and Senior Fellowship from the UK Advanced HE. Research interests include the international student experience of employability, Reflective Practice and embedding sustainability into WIL. Rachael is particularly passionate about international students, and values as well as advocates for diversity, inclusion and student agency in WIL. Rachael is the current Deputy Chair of the Vic/Tas Branch.
Julie Harbert
Monash University
Wayne Read
Deakin University
Wayne Read is the Academic Coordinator of WIL for the Deakin Business School and is the current ACEN Chapter Chair for Victoria and Tasmania.
Facilitated through the five Work-Integrated Learning Australia LTD Chapters, Chapter Events are specifically for chapter members with online chapter events open nationally to all members.