Analysing the Interplay Between Institutional-Based and Workplace Learning

Abstract

Learning and working are two significant social networks in preparing individuals for future life. An understanding of learning in the workplace can inform how we organize institutional learning in order to produce competent and relevant vocational education and training (VET) graduates for the world of work. This paper explores the existing collaborative activities in the masters in vocational pedagogy (MVP) study program at Kyambogo University in Uganda and their linkage with workplaces. Two research questions were posed. (1) What collaborative activities are there in the MVP program that allow for learning in vocational teacher training institutions (VTIs) and workplaces? 2) How is knowledge constructed amongst the participating actors? The questions were investigated through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with purposively sampled participants. An analysis of the documents from the MVP project, including program reports, collaborating stakeholders meeting minutes and students’ theses, was done. The findings revealed that field expeditions and action research (AR) projects were the key activities incorporated in the MVP program to support the back and forth learning from workplaces. Through interactions and sharing practices, these activities promoted learning by solving problems encountered at work and by doing real life tasks.