Uncovering learning at work: a research project carried out in collaboration with the Department of Education and Training (DET) and the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)

The Australian Research Council [ARC] project, 'Uncovering learning at work', explored the extent and nature of informal learning and its contribution and significance to the TAFE workplace and its employees. The research was carried out in partnership between the University of Technology, Sydney and the TAFE Professional Development Network unit. The research employed the term 'everyday learning' to describe the phenomenon under investigation. This understanding recognises that there are elements of both formality and informality in all learning situations. The research was conducted in three stages. The first involved one-to-one interviews and the collection of initial qualitative data. In the second, the researchers worked closely with individual workgroups around particular workplace issues. The final stage examined the implications of the project for TAFE and its employees in collaboration with key TAFE stakeholders. The questions the research focused on were about: ideas staff had about learning; staff perceptions of learning opportunities in TAFE; how staff constructed learning through their work relationships for their own benefit and for the strategic goals for TAFE; key strategies for identifying and utilising learning opportunities without undermining existing informal learning processes; and theories of adult learning that took account of the work-related learning of TAFE staff in an organisational context. This research followed four workgroups over a period of three years. Analysis of project data resulted in several important findings. These are presented in four themes, which are briefly discussed in this report: (1) what we learn and who we learn from; (2) naming learning and naming oneself as a learner; (3) spaces of learning; and (4) researching learning in contemporary workplaces. Arising from its analysis, this report puts forward a number of discussion points for consideration by TAFE. These areas for discussion suggest some possible strategies that TAFE may consider in order to enhance the everyday learning of the organisation.

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The Australian Research Council [ARC] project, 'Uncovering learning at work', explored the extent and nature of informal learning and its contribution and significance to the TAFE workplace and its employees. The research was carried out in partnership between the University of Technology, Sydney and the TAFE Professional Development Network unit. The research employed the term 'everyday learning' to describe the phenomenon under investigation. This understanding recognises that there are elements of both formality and informality in all learning situations. The ...  [+] Show more