Graduate Studies

 

First Advisor

Grace Panther

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Department

Engineering

Date of this Version

7-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Citation

A dissertation presented to the faculty of the Graduate College of the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy

Major: Engineering (Engineering Education Research)

Under the supervision of Professor Grace Panther

Lincoln, Nebraska, July 2024

Comments

Copyright 2024, Yashin Brijmohan. Used by permission

Abstract

Internships are an impactful form of workplace learning that helps undergraduate engineering students acquire and enhance competencies to improve their employability. However, the nuances about what makes an internship successful are not well understood. Furthermore, learning during engineering internships has not been thoroughly researched. Previous literature has mostly focused on internship outcomes, and there is little discussion on how to improve internship experiences to achieve the expected outcomes. Thus, this qualitative study explored the workplace learning environment of internships and how engineering undergraduate students engaged with workplace learning. The study has produced a comprehensive framework that illustrates important factors in the workplace that influence learning. This framework can help guide the structuring of internships, and future research in this area. The study suggests that students approach learning differently when developing their professional versus technical competencies. The findings highlight areas in which students struggle with workplace learning and emphasize the need for improvements in undergraduate education programs. In addition, the findings offer valuable insights for students undertaking internships.

Advisor: Grace Panther

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