Workplace Learning in Context

by Fuller,Alison; Fuller,Alison

• ISBN13: 9780415316316
• ISBN10: 0415316316
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2004-03-12
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

This book combines a critical analysis of the organizational and employment context of workplace learning with an understanding of theories of learning. It brings new ideas on workplace learning to the readers and an understanding of the social context of the workplace. Combining the latest research findings with practical examples of the issues raised, it is illustrated with case-studies and critical vignettes as well as chapter summaries, guiding students through the subject. Chapters are grouped under three main themes: 'The context of workplace learning', 'The workplace as a learning environment' and 'Skills, knowledge and the workplace'. With international contributors offering a global perspective, this encourages students to be critical when evaluating the important debates in the area.

Table of Contents

List of illustrations	viii
Notes on contributors	x
Acknowledgements	xiv
1 Introduction and overview	1	(18)
ALISON FULLER, ANNE MUNRO AND HELEN RAINBIRD
PART 1 The context of workplace learning	19	(88)
2 The political economy of workplace learning	21	(17)
DAVID N. ASHTON
3 The employment relationship and workplace learning	38	(16)
HELEN RAINBIRD, ANNE MUNRO AND LESLEY HOLLY
4 Work organization, 'fields of activities' and workers' competence: the case of Italian small firms	54	(17)
SAUL MEGHNAGI
5 The context of learning in professional work environments: insights from the accountancy profession	71	(18)
KEITH HOSKIN AND FIONA ANDERSON-GOUGH
6 The assessment of workers 'basic skills': a critique based on evidence from the United States, Canada and England	89	(20)
SUSAN HODDINOTT
PART 2 The workplace as a learning environment	107	(76)
7 Learning through work: workplace participatory practices	109	(17)
STEPHEN BILLETT
8 Expansive learning environments: integrating organizational and personal development	126	(19)
ALISON FULLER AND LORNA UNWIN
9 The new generation of expertise: seven theses	145	(21)
YRJÖ ENGESTRÖM
10 Supporting learning in advanced supply systems in the automotive and aerospace industries	166	(17)
ALAN BROWN, ED RHODES AND RUTH CARTER
PART 3 Skills, knowledge and the workplace	183	(94)
11 Conceptualizing vocational knowledge: some theoretical considerations	185	(16)
MICHAEL YOUNG
12 Transfer of knowledge between education and workplace settings	201	(21)
MICHAEL ERAUT
13 Learner biographies: exploring tacit dimensions of knowledge and skills	222	(20)
KAREN EVANS, NATASHA KFRSH AND AKIKO SAKAMOTO
14 The conceptualization and measurement of learning at work	242	(17)
PAUL HALER
15 The complexities of workplace learning: problems and dangers in trying to measure attainment	259	(18)
PHIL HODKINSON AND HEATHER HODKINSON
PART 4 Research and policy	277	(30)
16 Evidence based policy or policy-based evidence? The struggle over new policy for workforce development in England	279	(28)
ALISON FULLER, ANNE MUNRO AND HELEN RAINBIRD
Index	307