Reconceptualisation of cooperative education at the Tshwane University of Technology : a case study

Abstract

In universities of technology there is much confusion regarding the concept cooperative education and related terminology. The aim of this article is to offer a conceptual alternative for cooperative education, based on findings from the literature, workshops conducted institutionally and nationally in universities of technology and supported by a PhD study conducted by the first author. The findings suggest an alternative approach towards the conceptual understanding of cooperative education and its associated components. In addition, the proposed conceptual framework provides a directive towards structural development and managing applicable learning types in a university of technology environment with regard to work-integrated learning and service learning.