The Role and Function of Work-based Learning in Aviation Management Programs

Abstract

Work-based learning (WBL) encompasses various and diverse components of experiential learning. Cooperative education and internship comprise two elements of experiential learning constituting WBL in this study. The importance of WBL is amplified by an aviation industry that identifies "job skill and knowledge" as "highly regarded" characteristics of new hires (Phillips, Ruiz, & Mehta, 2006, p. 126). The study sets out to define the roles and functions of WBL and determine their overall importance from the perspective of those that are engaged in administrating and managing WBL activities in Aviation Management (AVM) programs.