The context of placement and work-based learning

This chapter will locate placement and work-based learning within organisational and wider socio-economic and political contexts, in addition to discussing various conceptions of what is being learnt in the workplace. Drawing on research into learning at work the chapter will provide an introduction to models and frameworks that can be used to evaluate the extent to which workplaces offer opportunities for learning of both an academic and professional nature. Changes in the way work is organised will be considered, in addition to the extent to which workplace processes and activities provide access to specific knowledge and competence, and to distinctive forms of learning. These aspects will be closely related to student experiences of placement and work-based learning