Skip to main content

Workplace Learning and Theoretical Fundamentals

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Book cover E-Learning in the Workplace

Abstract

This chapter introduces the basics of workplace learning and outlines its key features and theoretical fundamentals. The differences between school learning and workplace learning are discussed. The multiple nature of learning in the workplace is identified and elaborated from individual, social, and organizational perspectives. Relevant theories that underpin workplace learning from different perspectives are outlined.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Akbulut, Y., & Cardak, C. S. (2012). Adaptive educational hypermedia accommodating learning styles: A content analysis of publications from 2000 to 2011. Computers & Education, 58(2), 835–842.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Argote, L. (1999). Organizational learning: Creating, retaining, and transferring knowledge. Boston: Kluwer Academic.

    Google Scholar 

  • Argyris, C. (1999). On organizational learning. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishers Ltd..

    Google Scholar 

  • Argyris, C., & Schön, D. A. (1996). Organizational learning II: Theory method and practice. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barer-Stein, T., & Kompf, M. (2001). The craft of teaching adults. Toronto, ON: Irwin Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boud, D., & Garrick, J. (1999). Understanding learning at work. London, UK: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, J. S., Collins, A., & Duguid, P. (1989). Situated cognition and the culture of learning. Educational Researcher, 18(1), 32–42.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, J. S., & Duguid, P. (1991). Organizational learning and communities-of-practice: Toward a unified view of working, learning, and innovation. Organization Science, 2(1), 40–57.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brookfield, S. D. (2013). Powerful techniques for teaching adults. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Candy, P. C. (1991). Self-direction for lifelong learning: A comprehensive guide to theory and practice. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cheng, B., Wang, M., Mørch, A. I., Chen, N. S., Kinshuk, & Spector, J. M. (2014). Research on e-learning in the workplace 2000-2012: A bibliometric analysis of the literature. Educational Research Review, 11, 56–72.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Collins, A., Brown, J. S., & Holum, A. (1991). Cognitive apprenticeship: Making thinking visible. American Educator, 15(3), 6–46.

    Google Scholar 

  • Craig, R. L. (1996). The ASTD training and development handbook: A guide to human resource development. New York: McGraw-Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cyert, R., & March, J. G. (1992). A behavioral theory of the firm (2nd ed.). Oxford, UK: Blackwell Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Delany, C., & Golding, C. (2014). Teaching clinical reasoning by making thinking visible: An action research project with allied health educators. BMC Medical Education, 14, 20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and education. New York: Simon & Schuster.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dreyfus, H. L., & Dreyfus, S. E. (1986). Mind over machine. New York: Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Driscoll, M., & Carliner, S. (2005). Advanced web-based training strategies: Unlocking instructionally sound online learning. San Francisco: Pfeiffer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Doornbos, A. J., Simons, R. J., & Denessen, E. (2008). Relations between characteristics of workplace practices and types of informal work-related learning: A survey study among Dutch police. Human Resource Development Quarterly, 19(2), 129–151.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Easterby-Smith, M., Araujo, L., & Burgoyne, J. (1999). Organizational learning and the learning organization: Developments in theory and practice. London, UK: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellinger, A. D. (2005). Contextual factors influencing informal learning in a workplace setting: The case of “reinventing itself company”. Human Resource Development Quarterly, 16(3), 389–415.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ericsson, K. A. (2006). The influence of experience and deliberate practice on the development of superior expert performance. In K. A. Ericsson, N. Charness, P. J. Feltovich, & R. R. Hoffman (Eds.), The Cambridge Handbook of Expertise and Expert Performance (pp. 39–68). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Ericsson, K. A. (2008). Deliberate practice and acquisition of expert performance: A general overview. Academic Emergency Medicine, 15(11), 988–994.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Evans, K., Hodkinson, P., Rainbird, H., & Unwin, L. (2006). Improving workplace learning. London, UK: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fuller, A., & Unwin, L. (2004). Expansive learning environments: Integrating personal and organizational development. In H. Rainbird, A. Fuller, & A. Munro (Eds.), Workplace Learning in Context (pp. 126–144). London, UK: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • García-Peñalvo, F. J., Colomo-Palacios, R., & Lytas, M. D. (2012). Informal learning in work environments: Training with the Social Web in the workplace. Behaviour & Information Technology, 31(8), 753–755.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hmelo-Silver, C. E., Duncan, R. G., & Chinn, C. A. (2007). Scaffolding and achievement in problem-based and inquiry learning: A response to Kirschner, Sweller, and Clark (2006). Educational Psychologist, 42(2), 99–107.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jarodzka, H., Scheiter, K., Gerjets, P., & van Gog, T. (2010). In the eyes of the beholder: How experts and novices interpret dynamic stimuli. Learning and Instruction, 20(2), 146–154.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jonassen, D. H. (1997). Instructional design models for well-structured and ill-structured problem-solving learning outcomes. Educational Technology Research and Development, 45(1), 65–94.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kirschner, P. A., Sweller, J., & Clark, R. E. (2006). Why minimal guidance during instruction does not work: An analysis of the failure of constructivist, discovery, problem-based, experiential, and inquiry-based teaching. Educational Psychologist, 41(2), 75–86.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Knowles, M. S. (1975). Self-directed learning: A guide for learners and teachers. New York: Association Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Knowles, M. S., Holton, E. F., & Swanson, R. A. (1998). The adult learner: The definitive classic in adult education and human resource development. Houston, TX: Gulf Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kolb, D. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lave, J., & Wenger, E. (1991). Situated learning: Legitimate peripheral participation. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Lin, X. D., Hmelo, C., Kinzer, C. K., & Secules, T. J. (1999). Designing technology to support reflection. Educational Technology Research and Development, 47(3), 43–62.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Loyens, S. M. M., Magda, J., & Rikers, R. M. J. P. (2008). Self-directed learning in problem-based learning and its relationships with self-regulated learning. Educational Psychology Review, 20(4), 411–427.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lytras, M., Naeve, A., & Pouloudi, A. (2005). A knowledge management roadmap for e-learning: The way ahead. International Journal of Distance Education Technologies, 3(2), 68–75.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marshall, B., Zhang, Y., Chen, H., Lally, A., Shen, R., Fox, E., & Cassel, L. (2003). Convergence of knowledge management and e-learning: The GetSmart experience. In Proceedings of the third Joint ACM/IEEE-CS International Conference on Digital Libraries (pp. 135–146).

    Google Scholar 

  • Marr, B., Schiuma, G., & Neely, A. (2004). Intellectual capital – Defining key performance indicators for organisational knowledge assets. Business Process Management Journal, 10(5), 551–569.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McAfee, A. (2009). Enterprise 2.0: New collaborative tools for your organization’s toughest challenges. Boston: Harvard Business Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moon, J. A. (1999). Reflection in learning and professional development: Theory and practice. London, UK: Kogan Page.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nonaka, I., & Takeuchi, H. (1995). The knowledge-creating company: How Japanese companies create the dynamics of innovation. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Piskurich, G. M., Beckschi, P., & Hall, B. (2000). The ASTD handbook of training design and delivery: A comprehensive guide to creating and delivering training programs, instructor-led, computer-based, or self-directed. New York: McGraw-Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reiser, A., & Dempsey, J. V. (2012). Trends and issues in instructional design and technology (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosenberg, M. J. (2012). Knowledge management and learning: Perfect together. In R. A. Reiser & J. V. Dempsey (Eds.), Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and Technology (pp. 158–168). Boston: Pearson.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sadler-Smith, E. (2006). Learning and development for managers: Perspectives from research and practice. Oxford, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sampson, D. G., & Zervas, P. (2013). Learning object repositories as knowledge management systems. Knowledge Management & E-Learning, 5(2), 117–136.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt, A. (2005). Bridging the gap between knowledge management and e-learning with context-aware corporate learning solutions. In Proceedings of the Professional Knowledge Management conference (WM2005). Germany: Kaiserslautern.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schunk, D. H. (1991). Learning theories: An educational perspective. New York: Merrill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Senge, P. M. (1991). The fifth discipline: The art and practice of the learning organization. London, UK: Century Business.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seufert, S. (2012). Trust and reputation in eLearning at the Workplace: The role of social media. In Proceedings of the 12th IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies (pp. 604–607). Rome, Italy: IEEE.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, P. J., & Sadler-Smith, E. (2006). Learning in organizations: Complexities and diversities. London, UK/New York: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spender, J. C. (1996). Making knowledge the basis of a dynamic theory of the firm. Strategic Management Journal, 17(S2), 45–62.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sternberg, R. J., Forsythe, G. B., Hedlund, J., Horvath, A. J., Wagner, R. K., Williams, W. M., Snook, S. A., & Grigorenko, E. L. (2000). Practical intelligence in everyday life. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tynjälä, P. (2008). Perspectives into learning at the workplace. Educational Research Review, 3(2), 130–154.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tynjälä, P., & Häkkinen, P. (2005). E-Learning at work: Theoretical underpinnings and pedagogical challenges. Journal of Workplace Learning, 17(5/6), 318–336.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walsh, J. P., & Ungson, G. R. (1991). Organizational memory. Academy of Management Review, 16(1), 57–91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, M. (2011). Integrating organizational, social, and individual perspectives in Web 2.0-based workplace e-learning. Information Systems Frontiers, 13(2), 191–205.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, M. (2015a). Information and communication technologies and knowledge management. In J. M. Spector (Ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Educational Technology (pp. 363–367). Los Angeles: SAGE.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, M. (2015b). Web 2.0/3.0 in the workplace. In J. M. Spector (Ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Educational Technology (pp. 844–846). Los Angeles: SAGE.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, M., Kirschner, P. A., & Bridges, S. M. (2016). Computer-based learning environments for deep learning in inquiry and problem-solving contexts. In Proceedings of the 12th International Conference of the Learning Sciences (ICLS).

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, M., Wu, B., Kinshuk, Chen, N. S., & Spector, J. M. (2013). Connecting problem-solving and knowledge-construction processes in a visualization-based learning environment. Computers & Education, 68, 293–306.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, M., & Yang, S. J. H. (2009). Editorial: Knowledge management and e-learning. Knowledge Management & E-Learning, 1(1), 1–5.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wenger, E. (1998). Communities of practice: Learning, meaning, and identity. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Wild, R. S., Griggs, K. A., & Downing, T. (2002). A framework for e-learning as a tool for knowledge management. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 102(7), 371–380.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Winne, P. H. (2001). Self-regulated learning viewed from models of information processing. In B. J. Zimmerman & D. H. Schunk (Eds.), Self-regulated Learning and Academic Achievement: Theoretical Perspectives (2nd ed., pp. 153–189). Mahwah, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zimmerman, B. J. (1998). Academic studying and the development of personal skill: A self-regulatory perspective. Educational Psychologist, 33(2/3), 73–86.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Wang, M. (2018). Workplace Learning and Theoretical Fundamentals. In: E-Learning in the Workplace. Explorations in the Learning Sciences, Instructional Systems and Performance Technologies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-64532-2_2

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-64532-2_2

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-64530-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-64532-2

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics