What the project aims to do

This multi-disciplinary project breaks new theoretical and methodological ground by examining the interplay of the organisational context with processes of individual/group teaching and learning at work. It assesses the implications for workplace learning opportunities for employees at all levels in both the public and private sectors.

In particular, it investigates the hypothesis that workplaces which exhibit high involvement characteristics and 'expansive' learning environments provide employees with greater opportunities to engage in and attain new skills and knowledge through learning at work than would be the case for employees in low involvement ('restrictive') workplaces.

The project combines qualitative and quantitative techniques in a multi-layered approach to data collection. Crucially, organisational level data triangulates with the workplace learning experiences and perceptions of employees.

In keeping with its collaborative and transformative approach, the project seeks to: improve the process of and learning outcomes from workplace learning in the case study organisations; and influence and inform the practitioner and policy-making communities in the field of workforce development.

Poster - Teaching and Learning in the Contemporary Work
Organisation