ERIC Number: ED626603
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Feb
Pages: 40
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Understanding Experiential Learning through Work-Based College Coursetaking: Evidence from Transcript Data Using a Text Mining Technique. CCRC Working Paper No. 131
Zhou, Rachel Yang
Community College Research Center, Teachers College, Columbia University
Experiential learning is critical to a smooth transition from higher education to the workforce. Work-based college courses, such as internships and practicums, may be useful in facilitating this transition. This paper applies an innovative text mining technique to identify and analyze work-based courses from transcript data. The paper examines patterns and post-degree labor market outcomes of taking work-based courses at two-year and four-year colleges in a large public college system. Findings show that approximately 15% of enrollees and 30% of graduates took a work-based course in the six years after college entry. Students typically earned credits from work-based courses, and they typically took the courses in later years of their programs. Moreover, work-based coursetaking varied largely across fields of study as well as colleges. While there was no significant racial disparity, female students, students who were younger at enrollment, and U.S.-born students were more likely to take the courses than their counterparts. Results show a positive association between work-based coursetaking in college and the probability of being employed after degree completion among both two-year and four-year degree completers, a positive association with post-degree earnings among four-year completers, and a negative association with post-degree earnings among two-year completers.
Descriptors: Experiential Learning, Internship Programs, Practicums, Two Year Colleges, Undergraduate Study, Outcomes of Education, Career Readiness, Education Work Relationship, Employment Potential, Females, College Students, Income, Gender Differences, Age Differences, College Graduates, Employment Level
Community College Research Center. Available from: CCRC Publications. Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 West 120th Street Box 174, New York, NY 10027. Tel: 212-678-3091; Fax: 212-678-3699; e-mail: ccrc@columbia.edu; Web site: http://ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Columbia University, Community College Research Center (CCRC)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A


