Learning at Work

On Tuesday 22.11. we have the kickoff session to the study module Learning at Work. In the study module, the basic historical forms of work in industrial societies as well as work management and forms of learning will be addressed. You will gain a general understanding of the questions related to learning at work.

We will focus on how learning in workplaces is organised, and how employees learn at work, through work and for work.

The study module is implemented by using a pedagogical model called inquiry based learning, IBL.

What is Inquiry-Based Learning?

Inquiry-based learning is a student-centered model, which aims to activate the learners to find out answers to the study questions as well as to make their own interpretations and discuss the results. IBL is based on experiential learning; learning takes place via hands-on activities in real-life settings. The study process includes the following "steps": The students get familiar with the phenomenon (topic) and set their own questions to be investigated by using various resources (e.g., articles, study visits, observations, interviews). On the basis of the information found they create interpretations and solutions to the questions with critical mind, and share and discuss their results with others.

Reflection is crucial throughout the study process. In the following graphic you will find good questions to make sure that you have the critical mind-set. Ponder the reflective questions now and then - individually and in your team - when proceeding in your study process.

Bloom's taxonomy

Steps of the Study Activities in the Study Module Learning at Work

The teams have two assignments in this module:

1. A 15 min presentation in Adobe Connect webinar, date still open
2. A 30 min presentation based on a visit to a workplace, 15.3.2017

The inquiry-based study process consists of the following steps:

• In teams (on 22.11.): Plan a detailed timeline for all study activities. Discuss also, what and when is shared on Moodle. Please, note that the aim is to make visible the "lessons learnt" also during the study process - That's the way to learn from others.
• Individually: Read Manuti Amelia et al. 2015. Formal and informal learning in the workplace: a research review. International Journal of Training and Development 19:1-17. In addition, use resources of your own choice, and share them on Moodle. (Note: You need to login with your HH username and password to retrieve the article); find the key concepts of learning at work, make notes and prepare yourself to discuss your findings when you have the first team meeting.
• In teams: Discuss the findings (key concepts) of all members, and summarize them as team's interpretation of learning at work. Prepare to present team's findings in the online session on x.x. (The link to Adobe Connect Pro session will be available on Moodle in the morning of the session day).
• In team's: Set the questions for your investigation: What do you want to know about learning at work? What do you want find out about learning in real workplaces?
• In teams: Deside what resources do you need to be able to answer the questions. Please, remember that resources might be articles, videos, visits, observations, small-scale interviews, etc. Discuss the workload in the team as well as how you document and report the findings.
• In teams: Prepare a final presentation of team's empirical findings; presentations of 30 mins are on 15.3.2017. The team presentation has to be a synthesis of all findings; therefore, take enough time to discuss it in the team.
• In teams: As a team remember to assess the process by using the reflective questions.
• Individually: Self-assess your learning in relation to the assessment criteria as well as your own contribution to the team's outcomes. Post the assessment on Moodle by 6.3.2017.

Assessment of the study module

The assessment criteria are

• You are able to analyze and summarize the key concepts of learning at work.
• You are able to demonstrate examples of learning at work in real workplaces.

Consider carefully these assessment criteria, and plan how you are able to demonstrate that you have achieved both of them. Remember that you have to demonstrate also your own contribution to your team's output. All your contributions have to be shared on Moodle, therefore, do not send any study assignments by email to Irmeli.