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How to learn from practical training?
Practical training is learning through work experience. You can learn through self-analysis, supported by two important questions: What did I do? and What did I learn from it?. Self-analysis involves analysing and understanding your role and the goals and outcomes of your activities. This can be done both in writing in the traineeship diary or orally during traineeship seminars.
To learn from a traineeship, it is essential to discuss with your supervisor
- why something needs to be done in a particular way;
- what the results are;
- what knowledge and skills you used;
- how you completed the tasks;
- what went well;
- where you could have done something more or differently;
- how the things you learned during training have fulfilled the traineeship goals and relate to your professional development and future plans.
Regular and final seminars, traineeship diaries, and learning portfolios are often used to support learning and develop reflection skills.
The traineeship diary is a very efficient self-analysis tool. Even if it is not required, it is highly recommended to have one. Make an entry in the diary at the end of each training day, as this allows you to later look back on what you did, analyse yourself, and see your progress.
The following questions can help you fill in your diary.
- What was the best thing that happened during the traineeship today?
- What did you like the least today?
- Which new skills did you acquire?
- How have you changed or developed since starting work at the traineeship company?
- What have you learned about yourself and the people you work with?
- What feelings does work at the traineeship place evoke in you? What makes you feel this way?
- Has the traineeship experience made you consider working in this field? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this job?
- Which of your activities this week have made you proud?
- Has this experience been useful to you? Why?
The traineeship report is the trainee’s summary of the training – an overview of what you learned and how you developed during the practical training. The structure of the report follows the requirements and guidelines presented in the traineeship guide, which often requires a detailed description of the host company and the tasks completed, along with a summary analysis of what was learned and whether the goals were achieved. The report may also include an evaluation of the company and the supervision, and opinions and suggestions for improving the field.
The report may be presented in various formats, as determined by the university. Be sure to check before the practical training whether the traineeship report should be submitted as (online) diary, portfolio, research paper, oral presentation, or presented at a discussion seminar with other students of the practical training course, etc.
If the practical training course includes seminars held at the university, be sure to participate in them. You can discuss your practical training experience with other students during the seminars. This helps you
- understand your experience, see the learning and progress;
- listen to other students’ experiences and compare them with yours;
- ask questions and discuss them;
- gain ideas from others to resolve workplace situations and tasks;
- get feedback on your feelings and thoughts;
- adjust your activities during the traineeship;
- consider where and how the new skills and experiences you have developed will be useful for you in the future.
The practical training course often ends with a concluding seminar, where students make presentations on the training. This is followed by a discussion with the audience and feedback from the traineeship supervisor at the university.
It is important to reflect on your experience during the practical training, and that the company and university traineeship supervisors give you expert feedback. If the training is successful, it is an achievement you can be proud of. By analysing the experience, you can better plan your future learning and career paths.
