Process or product: death by O.H.P. or death by groupwork in vocational education?

The paper examines the validity and efficacy of collaborative learning and facilitation approaches in vocational training. For technical training in particular, the use of teaching methods that value learning process outcomes over the measured achievement of specific knowledge, skills and attitudes is discussed in relation to underpinning theory and to a competence-based environment. Emphasis on process outcomes of personal empowerment and self knowledge/actualisation is suggested to have been inappropriately transplanted from educational traditions which have little in common with the (knowledge) demands of vocational training. The importance of developing the above process outcomes is not questioned, but the confusion between process and product outcomes and the resulting mismatch of educational methods is argued to be counter-productive to learning and to motivation. The paper also examines a range of practical considerations associated with over-use and inappropriate use of collaborative and group learning methods. Issues of valid assessment, student load and time demands, and catering to learning style preferences are seen to be crucial to the achievement of a genuine and widespread commitment to lifelong learning.

Excerpts from printed abstract used with the permission of the copyright holder.

Volume one of these proceedings is indexed at TD/TNC 68.31, volume two is indexed at TD/TNC 68.32 and individual papers may be found from TD/TNC 68.17 to TD/TNC 68.29 and from TD/TNC 68.33 to TD/TNC 68.100 Show less