eCULTURE
Abstract
This discussion paper introduces the concept and practice of environmental volunteering as part of the process of Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) at Edith Cowan University. As well as introducing the theoretical background and definitions of both volunteering and WIL, this paper describes examples from Natural Sciences domain of students doing environmental voluntary work with community groups as a practicum which is a core unit within their course. Literature suggests that these examples should neither be defined as volunteering nor WIL so their definitions and classifications are debated. Review of these examples in light of the literature suggests the conclusion that volunteering is a useful mechanism to support Workplace Integrated Learning for students who are studying in the domain of Natural Sciences. This paper introduces research that is being conducted into the attitudes of students about the volunteering aspect of the practicum and provides some qualitative comment from one of the 120 students currently enrolled.
Recommended Citation
Scott, R. H.,
& van Etten, E.
(2012).
Workplace Integrated Learning, Environmental Volunteering or Service Learning?.
eCULTURE, 5(1).
Retrieved from
https://ro.ecu.edu.au/eculture/vol5/iss1/2