How ethnic cultures influence practice-based learning

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to report on a study that used the practice theory lens to understand how Chinese ethnic culture influences restaurant workers' learning through engagement in everyday work practices.Design/methodology/approachA multiple case study approach was used. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews and site observations. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify how workers learnt the sayings, doings and relatings in their workplaces.FindingsThe findings show that the ethnic culture of the participants influences and enriches their learning in practice settings such as small Chinese restaurants.Research limitations/implicationsThe understandings presented here need to be verified through more research in different regions and nations. In addition, cross-cultural studies on other ethnic restaurants may contribute to deeper understandings of the influences of ethnic culture on practice-based learning.Social implicationsThe research contributes to understanding the influence of ethnic culture on practice-based learning.Originality/valueThe understandings gained from the findings of this study form a useful basis for curriculum development and instructional design of training programmes for practice-based as well as work-integrated-learning components of vocational curriculum. Furthermore, awareness of the strengths of the ethnic culture is of interest to owner/managers of small Chinese restaurants to afford supportive learning environments for workers.