After agreeing on the objectives and expected results on the learning plan and after signing the learning agreement, the next really important factor for a high-quality WBL is to record and monitor the implementation of the programme. In the learning agreement, there should be a section which highlights the basic means and methods as well as the periodicity of recording the tasks/projects in which the student is involved and the basic means and ways of communication between participants. This will allow the smooth implementation of the programme by making the whole process transparent to all participants and stakeholders.

                Bearing this in mind, students must be responsible for keeping track of the work tasks they carry out throughout the programme. They should keep a working diary where they will describe, on a daily or weekly basis, according to what is agreed on the “Learning Agreement”, the tasks they executed and the duties they had. This task track system is not meant to be inspective but rather it aims at motivating the students by helping them to keep track of their achievements as they progresses with the programme. It should be filled in by the students themselves in order to enable them to start self-assessment on a work basis, a skill that will be much needed in their working lives. It can also entail other work documentation forms depending on the tasks that the student carries out and the nature of the specific WBL programme (e.g. presentations, evidence of work samples etc.).  It can be delivered to the responsible tutor and the employer or the mentor of the WBL programme as “proof” of the student’s progress.

This proof can and should be used by tutors in cooperation with employers or mentors to monitor the course of the programme and to measure the level of satisfaction of the initial learning objectives. The recording system will help them communicate and collaborate with each other with the aim of giving the student the best learning experience. It will provide a synchronous valuable feedback that can be used to make real-time adjustments on the course of the programme if needed. It is obvious that close and meaningful communication between the tutor, the employer or mentor of the company and the student plays a crucial role in keeping high standards as far as implementation of learning objectives is concerned.

In addition to communicating through the student’s diary, work evidence and other communication forms that are agreed, it is highly recommended that tutors should visit students at the workplace. At least one visit should be organized although it is recommended that the responsible tutor conducts additional visits to the workplace, whenever appropriate, in order to ensure that the working experience is safe and of high quality. Finally, it is recommended that any kind of communication and contact between the participants is done in the official agreed ways and is kept as archive, providing extra evidence on the course of the programme.