Competence or capability: Work-Based Learning and Problem-Based Learning

There has been increased pressure upon academic institutions to further develop Work-Based Learning (WBL) within the curriculum. Media practice education already includes a significant amount of Work-Related Learning (WRL) although perhaps this is not always made evident in course documents or through specific approaches to the delivery of courses. This paper will begin by reviewing the published definitions and requirements of WBL and look at some of the issues that arise in relation to media practice education. Working with Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs), for example, to deliver WBL can be problematic and is not always completely beneficial to students as an experience of the work place: this raises issues particular to media practice education. Using ‘Live Projects’ to simulate WBL can perhaps offer a more supported and effective learning experience within the context of Higher Education. The paper will look at potential ways that the methodology of Problem-Based Learning could be utilised to work with and assess ‘Live Projects’, offering guidance on moving from ‘project based’ to ‘problem based’ project work.