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Transfer of knowledge in technical vocational education: a narrative study in Swedish upper secondary school

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Abstract

In vocational education, teaching and learning are expected to take place in the different learning arenas; schools and workplaces. In such a dual school system, the question of transfer is vital, i.e. how to use knowledge learned in previous situations in new situations. This article is an empirical contribution to research concerning transfer, by means of results from semi-structured group interviews with teachers and supervisors who educate students in the Energy program and the Industry program in Swedish upper secondary school. The interviews were analysed by analyses of narratives. The results show four themes of transfer in the interviews: (1) transfer of basic knowledge, (2) transfer of principles and skills, (3) transfer of written materials and real life and (4) transfer of experiences. The results also show three factors that are crucial in order to create possibilities for transfer: (1) communication, (2) financial resources and (3) reflection. These factors demand close cooperation between the teachers and supervisors during the students’ vocational education.

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Notes

  1. We use the concept dual school system, in order to emphasise that the vocational education is conducted both at school and workplaces within ordinary educational time.

  2. This question is a further elaboration of “Different Kinds of Transfer in Technical Vocational Education” by Kilbrink and Bjurulf, presented at the PATT 25 conference in London 2011.

  3. In the Energy Program trainee plumbers are educated and the program specific education concerns heating and sanitation. In the Industry Program becoming industrial workers are educated and the program specific education concerns for example welding and turning.

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Acknowledgments

The 24-h seminar, during which the interviews for this study were conducted, was supported by The Knowledge Foundation in Sweden.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Department of Materials Engineering, Karlstad University, 651 88, Karlstad, Sweden

    Nina Kilbrink

  2. The Department of Physics and Electrical Engineering, Karlstad University, 651 88, Karlstad, Sweden

    Veronica Bjurulf

  3. The Department of Social and Welfare Studies, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden

    Veronica Bjurulf

Authors
  1. Nina Kilbrink
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  2. Veronica Bjurulf
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Correspondence to Nina Kilbrink.

Additional information

Nina Kilbrink and Veronica Bjurulf contributed equally to this work.

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Kilbrink, N., Bjurulf, V. Transfer of knowledge in technical vocational education: a narrative study in Swedish upper secondary school. Int J Technol Des Educ 23, 519–535 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-012-9201-0

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