Workplace Learning: Metacognitive Strategies for Learning in the Knowledge Economy

Abstract:

The Co-op Education and Workplace Learning Research team at Queen's University (http://educ.queensu.ca/~cewl/)
conducts research on enhancing workplace learning in school-to-work programs like co-op education. For our team, the knowledge economy requires that we construe workers as learners and working environments as learning environments. Our approach involves metacognitive instruction: enhancing learning by teaching learners (including exceptional adolescents) to develop self-regulation and awareness of the metacognitive functions of workplace routines. In this paper, we present case study data of high school co-op students' learning in a variety of workplaces. Detailed ethnographic observations and interviews, supplemented by interviews with parents, workplace supervisors, and teachers, reveal the significance of understanding the nature and function of routines in workplace learning. The paper makes recommendations for workplace supervisors, co-op education teachers, and parents about preparing youth for successful participation in the knowledge-intensive workplace.

Authors:

Hugh Munby
Nancy Hutchinson
Peter Chin

Hugh Munby
Professor, Faculty of Education, Queen's University.
Dr. Hugh Munby conducts research on co-op education, and has a special interest in the curriculum of the workplace.

Nancy Hutchinson
Professor, Faculty of Education, Queen's University
Dr. Nancy Hutchinson is an instructional psychologist and has special interest in students with exceptionalities.

Peter Chin
Associate Professor, Faculty of Education, Queen's University.
Dr. Peter Chin has expertise in science education and conducts research on science teaching and learning in school and workplace environments.

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