Research

There are three areas of research into work based learning that the Centre is interested in:

The first is whether it is possible to establish a common understanding of what is meant by ‘work based learning’. There is a range of definitions argued by leading figures such as Boud and Solomon but as yet little agreement as to what constitutes key features.

The second is learning and teaching and work based learning. In particular we wish to assess whether pedagogies based on experiential learning and situated learning are effective in supporting learning related to the work place, which is often the starting point of many analyses, despite the widespread persistence of behaviourist ideas that underpins competence based that permeates much of work based learning in vocation qualifications.

We are also interested in policy and practice in relation to work based learning.  There is considerable debate on whether work based learning should be seen as a way of intensifying ‘massification’ of higher education or as a way of increasing access to students who cannot afford to leave to work to learn.  This debate has been made more complex by concerns expressed on the implications of partnerships between industry and Higher Education about the ownership of the curriculum one the one hand and lack of employer interest on the other.

We have written a number of journal articles and sponsored reports on these areas of interest.

Please contact us for a discussion of current research or copies of articles and reports.