Using learning environments to create meaningful work for co-op students. Issue 4 (7th June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nevison, Colleen; Drewery, David; Pretti, Judene; Cormier, Lauren
• Is Part Of: Higher education research & development. Volume 36:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 807
• Page End: 822
• Publication Date: 2017-06-07
• Subjects: Co-op -- learning environments -- meaningfulness -- meaningful work -- relatedness; Education, Higher -- Australia -- Periodicals; 378.94
• DOI: 10.1080/07294360.2016.1229268
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0729-4360

Abstract

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.