Practice focused learning:

1. Practice focused learning: A study of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship work-based learning in a New Zealand context Avetra conference 8-4-2015 James Cannan: Manukau Institute of Technology, Auckland New Zealand James Cannan

2. Background • This paper is based on my progress and early findings of a EdD study on apprenticeship and pre-apprentices that were engaged in training programmes at a tertiary institution in New Zealand. • The full research project is called: • Learning through Practice: A study of work-based learning as part of VET programmes in New Zealand James Cannan

3. Introduction ‘Learning through Practice’ To investigate the benefits gained for students, lecturers and industry when using practice-based learning models delivering certificate programmes in vocational education and training (VET) at a New Zealand tertiary institution. James Cannan

4. Why research Practice–based learning? • ‘Practice-based learning’ is understood as the engagement of student learning activities through collaboration with a tertiary institution, industry and workplace learning. This includes although is not limited to, industry placements and work based learning programmes integrated with the formal curriculum at a certificate level. James Cannan

5. Research question How do Institutes of Technology when using practice-based models of learning support the initial preparation and the further development of essential knowledge and skills for work and in work? James Cannan

6. Associated questions • What are the benefits for all stakeholders involved in the delivery of practice- based learning and assessment? • In what ways are current features of practice- based learning models considered effective or ineffective? James Cannan

7. Associated questions • What constitutes good pedagogical practice in embedding practice-based learning and assessment in VET curricula? • What are the outcomes of practice-based learning for students in terms of skills, knowledge and assessment? James Cannan

8. Contribution to the literature • Practice-based learning- a model of learning that can assist the initial preparation for work through course study and practice that is gained at the workplace and the further development of knowledge and skills for vocational occupations. • Practice-based learning is learning that is gained ‘before work’ and ‘in work’. ‘this approach recognizes that practitioners in order to be proficient need to bridge the gap between theory and practice’. (Raelin, 1997, p.572) James Cannan

9. Significance • This research will contribute to existing understanding pertaining to ‘practice-based’ learning models currently delivered. • Produce further knowledge and appreciation when determining the benefits of ‘practice-based’ learning styles across VET programmes delivered at tertiary institutions James Cannan

10. Work-related learning and work-based learning • ‘Work related’ refers to “learning from study or experiences in or related to the world of work • Work based learningis “learning in the workplace, derived from work undertaken for or by an employer. (Connor 2005, p.6). James Cannan

11. Gaps In The Literature • Practice focused courses in developing skills for vocational occupations has increased due to concerns about the employability of graduates into industry and critical skill shortages in the workplace (Choy, Haukka, Billett, Bowman, & Wignall, 2007). • Significant lack of literature surrounding practice-based learning, and in New Zealand there is an increasing number of employees and trainees involved in this form of learning. James Cannan

12. Gaps In The Literature • This research will contribute to the argument of practice-based learning in terms of pedagogical practice in skills, knowledge and assessment through practical application for work and in work. • Apprenticeship/pre-apprenticeship training is an important component of the research that informs issues around workplace practice and the validity and reliability of assessment carried out in the workplace. James Cannan

13. Gaps In The Literature • The research will focus on students that are currently studying in pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship courses and analyse the comparison of learning and assessment by students who are attending such courses. • Work based learning literature addresses the learning that occurs in the workplace of which apprentice learning is a subset, but not necessarily practice based learning programmes. James Cannan

14. Research Methodology • Research approach used for this research was a qualitative study where the main approach used case studies involving semi-structured interviews, focus groups, questionnaires and workplace documentation to answer the research questions. James Cannan

15. Research Methodology • The rationale guiding the choice of research methods is based on the research questions and the kind of understanding and emphasis sought in the initial preparation and the development of essential knowledge and skills for work and in work. James Cannan

16. Research Design • Four case studies that include students that are studying fulltime and part time on engineering programmes at Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) where the students are required to carry out ‘on job’ work experience and also students that are working full time and studying part time. • There will be a total of 72 participants included in the overall research. James Cannan

17. Research Design • Semi-structured interviews- include lecturing staff that are teaching on the course, students studying part time, full time and employers representing the student groups through their specific disciplines involved in the research. • Focus groups- The purpose of the focus group interviews was to allow those involved in the programmes to describe in detail their perceptions and interpretations of their experiences in practice based learning James Cannan

18. Research Design • Questionnaires- This process will be useful to ensure that during the interviews relevant data will already be available therefore ensuring the interview sessions to be worthwhile and to gain valuable answers to the research questions. • Non-participant observation- activities that will be observed will include practical application of theory, work tasks being carried out within the workplace and assessment tasks being conducted both ‘off-job’ and ‘on-job’ James Cannan

19. Initial FindingsFeatures of practice-based learning models (Question 2) • Findings that emerged from the research study! (Pre-employment students) Sample Responses: • Putting the learning into practice- hands on practical- doing stuff! • We were able to put all the learning into practice at the workplace. It would be very different without doing the course at MIT. The learning at MIT complements the workplace learning and gained good knowledge to be able to go into the workplace. James Cannan

20. Sample Responses • Learning the basics through practical projects-building and working on air conditioning units. Understanding the theory through practical tasks on electrical units, and doing fabrication tasks in the workshop. • (Apprentices) • Getting paid to learn! Developing new skills and finding new challenges. Satisfaction of learning something and putting the learning into practice. Working when studying and finding learning easier when on the job. Better training on the job. James Cannan

21. Sample Responses • Showed something once and expected to know it. Not enough training carried out at the workplace. If something goes wrong it’s normally your fault. More explanation of knowledge as no one at the work place explains things. My work place doesn’t support training. • Not possible to achieve all units at the workplace. Some units are specialised and not available on-job. James Cannan

22. Conclusions Pre-employment students • More prepared and work ready by the time that they enter into employment • Advantage of being able to concentrate on their learning of theory and practical skills Apprentices • Have a job while at the same time carrying out training • Difficulties in achieving training James Cannan