| The Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) program at Clackamas Community College posed two areas of concern. The first was the lack of understanding of the college personnel's perspectives on the CWE program. The second was the lack of up-to-date research on best practices of CWE programs. These problems were not limited to Clackamas Community College, but were part of a nationwide trend in CWE. Thus, the first and primary purpose of this study was to determine recommendations for CWE program improvement. The second purpose was to determine college personnel's perspectives on the CWE program.;The literature indicated that work-based learning excites and motivates most students. There was disagreement, however, regarding terminology and how programs were related to student goals.;Data were gathered from 1 community college. A focus group was conducted with the college personnel who work closely with CWE students. The personnel completed a voluntary survey and then met in small groups. Their discussion included suggestions on how to better serve the students and employers, as well as what was and what was not working in the program. The college personnel rated their key suggestions on how to improve the program.;The results indicated that the highest ratings of the program concerned the value of CWE to students and the quality of help from CWE staff. Because most respondents were unaware that a CWE website was available, only a few respondents rated its usefulness. The study found that the most positive program aspect was that it helped students to see a variety of possibilities in the workplace. Suggestions to better serve students and employers in the CWE program were rated. Most respondents rated increased student employability as a positive aspect of the program. The dissertation concluded with the study benefits, reactions from the program administrators, and recommendations for program improvement. |
