Changing Work, Changing Learning: The Imperative for Teacher Learning in Workplaces and Communities

Publication March 1998

Successful implementation of work-related education reforms in the United States requires educators to understand both reform principles and the ways in which work-based and school-based learning can be used to enhance curriculum and instruction. This document is part of Teacher Learning in the Workplace and Community, which contains four educational briefs and five case studies that describe innovative teacher education and professional development programs that support school-to-work and related reforms.

This educational brief advocates experience-based, continuous learning opportunities for all secondary school and college staff so that they are able to provide effective learning, career development, and school-to-work transition outcomes for their students. The author summarizes evidence of the value of work-based learning for students, describes national initiatives supporting experiential or work-based teacher learning, and outlines some practical reasons for teachers and administrators to participate in teacher internships, shadowing experiences, business-led institutes for educators, and similar professional development activities.

Phelps, L. A. (1998, March). Changing work, changing learning: The imperative for teacher learning in workplaces and communities. In Teacher Learning in the Workplace and Community. Berkeley, CA: National Center for Research in Vocational Education.

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