This paper focuses mainly on theoretical frameworks for understanding and investigating informal learning in the workplace, which have been developed through a series of large‐ and small‐scale projects. The main conclusions are included but readers are referred to other publications for more detailed accounts of individual projects. Two types of framework are discussed. The first group seeks to deconstruct the ‘key concepts’ of informal learning, learning from experience, tacit knowledge, transfer of learning and> intuitive practice to disclose the range of different phenomena that are embraced by these popular terms. The second group comprises frameworks for addressing the three central questions that pervaded the research programme: what is being learned, how is it being learned and what are the factors that influence the level and directions of the learning effort?

Towards an applied theory of experiential learning

Informal learning in the workplace

Contents: Preface F. Korthagen, Teacher Education: A Problematic Enterprise. J. Kessels, F. Korthagen, The Relationship Between Theory and Practice: Back to the Classics. F. Korthagen, T. Wubbels, Learning From Practice. F. Korthagen, A Reflection on Reflection. F. Korthagen, Building a Realistic Teacher Education Program. F. Korthagen, T. Wubbels, Evaluative Research on the Realistic Approach and on the Promotion of Reflection. F. Korthagen, Helping Individual Student Teachers Become Reflective: The Supervisory Process. F. Korthagen, T. Wubbels, Characteristics of Reflective Teachers. F. Korthagen, Working With Groups of Student Teachers. F. Korthagen, B. Lagerwerf, Teachers' Professional Learning: How Does It Work? F. Korthagen, Specific Instruments and Techniques for Promoting Reflection. F. Korthagen, A Broader View of Reflection. B. Koster, F. Korthagen, Training Teacher Educators for the Realistic Approach. F. Korthagen, The Realistic Approach: Its Tenets, Philosophical Background, and Future.

Linking Practice and Theory: The Pedagogy of Realistic Teacher Education

Reflection is currently a key concept in teacher education. The reflection process is often described in terms of a cyclical model. In the present article, we explain how such a model can be used for supporting student teachers’ reflection on practical situations they are confronted with, and on their behaviour, skills and beliefs in such situations. In some cases, however, more fundamental issues appear to influence teachers’ practical functioning. For example, their self‐concept can have a decisive influence on the way they function, or they may do what is expected of them, and yet not feel truly involved. In such cases, a more fundamental form of reflection is needed, which in this article we refer to as ‘core reflection’. The focus on core reflection concurs with the recent emphasis in psychology on attending to people’s strengths rather than their deficiencies.

Levels in reflection: core reflection as a means to enhance professional growth

In recent years, academics and educators have begun to use software mapping tools for a number of education-related purposes. Typically, the tools are used to help impart critical and analytical skills to students, to enable students to see relationships between concepts, and also as a method of assessment. The common feature of all these tools is the use of diagrammatic relationships of various kinds in preference to written or verbal descriptions. Pictures and structured diagrams are thought to be more comprehensible than just words, and a clearer way to illustrate understanding of complex topics. Variants of these tools are available under different names: “concept mapping”, “mind mapping” and “argument mapping”. Sometimes these terms are used synonymously. However, as this paper will demonstrate, there are clear differences in each of these mapping tools. This paper offers an outline of the various types of tool available and their advantages and disadvantages. It argues that the choice of mapping tool largely depends on the purpose or aim for which the tool is used and that the tools may well be converging to offer educators as yet unrealised and potentially complementary functions.

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Concept mapping, mind mapping and argument mapping: what are the differences and do they matter?

Kolb's experiential learning theory is one of the best known educational theories in higher education. The theory presents a way of structuring a session or a whole course using a learning cycle. The different stages of the cycle are associated with distinct learning styles. Individuals differ in their preferred learning styles, and recognizing this is the first stage in raising students' awareness of the alternative approaches possible. This article presents some case studies of ways in which the theory can be applied in university geography.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/00221340008978967

Towards an applied theory of experiential learning

Citations

Informal learning in the workplace

Linking Practice and Theory: The Pedagogy of Realistic Teacher Education

Levels in reflection: core reflection as a means to enhance professional growth

Concept mapping, mind mapping and argument mapping: what are the differences and do they matter?

Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory and Its Application in Geography in Higher Education

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