Work-Based Learning in TVET: A Perspective on Students' Experiences

Malaysia, in its pursuit of strengthening nation education, is actively reforming its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system to align with diverse industry demands. However, challenges persist in empowering TVET especially providing comprehensive teaching strategy that match with industrial needs. This study in other view focuses on gathering students' perceptions towards their learning experiences within Work- Based Learning (WBL) programs, offering valuable insights into TVET program effectiveness and teaching strategies. A method of survey has been used in this study as to gather perceptions from the 62 respondents of technological students from selected TVET institution who had experience with WBL. Data has been analysed using mean score analysis and Pearson Correlation analysis to test the relationship between both perceptions of WBL effectiveness and teaching and learning experiences. The findings revealed moderate level of student perceptions on the WBL effectiveness towards self-development (M=3.33) and moderate perceptions towards their teaching and learning (TnL) experiences (M=2.99). Extensively, study revealed the positive correlation between WBL effectiveness and TnL experiences indicates that teaching strategy in WBL significantly influence the overall WBL effectiveness level or vice versa. Thus, this study suggests enhancements such as incorporating better teaching and learning strategy comprise of experiential projects, mentorship programs, interdisciplinary collaborations, and blended learning environments to enrich WBL programs effectiveness. Perhaps, this could provide a comprehensive perspective on students' views and offer guidance for enhancing WBL in Malaysian TVET institutions to create an impactful teaching and learning environment.