Learning at the site of work

Abstract

This chapter elaborates and discusses learning at the site of work. That is, explaining how learning arises through work activities and interactions, including those in workplaces. It does so because there are key personal and societal goals that arise from understanding the workplace as a site in which learning occurs. It is proposed here that, in many ways, the process and outcomes of learning through and for work are no different than that which occurs in and arises from other kinds of settings. However, the way that learning is mediated at the site of work is likely to be distinct in some ways from that in other kinds of settings, because the activities and interactions that constitute key mediating contributions to that learning are likely to be peculiar to paid employment, the particular occupation and the qualities of the particular workplace setting. Consequently, the mediations and contributions of sites of work are likely to be qualitatively different in some ways than other kinds of settings, including the particular pedagogic and curriculum qualities of those settings.