Praktikiken

Praktikiken is a term used in some Scandinavian educational and professional discourses to denote a holistic framework for practical training and internships. It describes an approach that integrates classroom learning with real-world work experiences, emphasizing experiential learning, reflective practice, and structured mentorship.

Origin and usage: Praktikiken is a neologism rather than a standard dictionary entry. It is formed from praktik (practice) with a suffix intended to evoke a system or philosophy. Its exact meaning and scope vary between institutions, regions, and disciplines.

Core elements commonly associated with praktikiken include aligning learning objectives with industry needs, formal internship agreements and supervision, regular feedback cycles, and the use of learning portfolios or journals. Assessments emphasize applied competence, professional development, and ethical guidelines such as fair access and safe working conditions.

Contexts and debates: The concept appears in higher education curricula, vocational training programs, and corporate internship initiatives as a way to formalize work-based learning. Supporters argue it improves employability and knowledge transfer, while critics warn against token internships, uneven access, insufficient supervision, and potential exploitation if implemented poorly.

See also: experiential learning, work-based learning, internships, apprenticeships, pedagogy.