Learning in Context: Letting Students Make the Case for Worksite Health Promotion

Abstract

Students who have the opportunity to develop professional practice skills through observational learning and a variety of hands-on experiences such as those described above are better prepared and more confident as they enter the job market as entry-level health educators. In the context of the workplace, faculty can provide valuable and needed opportunities for students to develop professional competencies. At the same time both faculty and students can help bridge the “unhealthy” dichotomy that frequently exists between management (public or private) and employees. Linkages between a university and the community which grow from taking university training into the community can strengthen professional preparation programs in health education.