Decision to transfer a good work-based learning practice

Key elements of implementation of innovations depend on the organizational structure, all kinds of resources, change management and staff involvement. An adaptive and flexible organizational structure and processes support decision-making within the organization to departments and operational decision-making devolved to teams enhances the success of implementation.

There are several questions to be answered and resolved within the organization before the transfer of a good practice. Among others the following questions should be discussed:

  1. What is the opinion - of a good WBL practice?
  2. What is the added value of this WBL practice for the workplace and/or the organization itself?
  3. A good practice may even be “bad” and not suitable for the own organization.
  4. Does this WBL practice meet the needs of the students and working life?
  5. How does this WBL practice fit in with the curriculum?
  6. How can further development of the practice be organized?

After taking the decision to transfer a new, good WBL practice into the organization, the next phase is to prepare the whole planning process.

According to Rogers (2003), the innovation process has five stages. In our example, the stages could be as below (table 1).

Table 1. An example of the innovation-decision process.

Knowledge

Knowledge occurs when the headmaster of school S or perhaps a team responsible for organization of WBL are exposed to the innovative students’ tutoring model and gain some understanding of how it functions.

Persuasion

Persuasion occurs when the above-mentioned individuals or the team form a favourable attitude towards the new WBL tutoring model and find it good.

Decision

Decision occurs when the above-mentioned individuals or team engage in ‘cleaning’ the new practice and in evaluating the practice’s eligibility into the own school that will lead to a choice to adopt or reject the innovation.

Implementation

Implementation occurs when the above-mentioned individuals or team implement the new WBL tutoring model. Re-invention is especially likely to occur at the implementation stage.

Confirmation

Confirmation occurs when the above-mentioned individuals or team seek positive feedback and reinforcement of the new tutoring model that has already been made.