Our Methodology

How we chose the winners

To select the winners of the University & Educator Awards, we analysed 3 factors; student engagement, faculty involvement and early participation using a combination of internal data and external research.

How we rated and weighted each factor

Internal data spans 2.5m+ enrollments in Forage virtual job simulations and 1,000+ educators registered to use Forage virtual job simulations across 2,000+ classes. There was no requirement that an institution utilises Forage to be eligible for an award, and 46% of the inaugural winners are institutions that do not currently utilise Forage to deliver work-based learning in coursework.

‍Student engagement answers the question ‘how actively do students participate in the work-based learning activities made available to them?’ We identified student engagement as the most important factor in the delivery of a high-quality work-based learning offering. The student engagement score was calculated through a combination of internal data and external research. Examples of internal data analysed were virtual job simulation enrollments, completions and the percentage of students enrolled in multiple simulations. External research included the percentage of students participating in experiential learning activities available. An institution’s student engagement score contributed to 50% of its overall score.

Faculty involvement answers the question ‘how engaged are faculty in the delivery of experiential learning?’ This score examined whether work-based learning is integrated within the curriculum at an institution, and if so, whether it is mandatory for students to participate in courses containing a work-based learning element. This score was also influenced by the number of faculty members at an institution that are registered on Forage. Faculty involvement contributed to 35% of an institution’s overall score.

Early participation answers the question ‘how early in a student’s university journey are they first introduced to work-based learning?’ Earlier participation provides students with more time to explore and subsequently identify career paths that interest them. This score was calculated through a combination of external research and internal data. External research included consideration of when in a student’s university journey they first engage with work-based learning offerings or courses (e.g. first year, second year etc). Internal data included an assessment of the average year level that students enrolled in and completed Forage virtual job simulations. Early participation contributed to 15% of an institution’s overall score.

We scored 100+ UK institutions based on the factors set out above. If your institution did not receive a Work-Based Learning Award but you’d like to receive a breakdown of your score, please email education@theforage.com