Description:

The Research Workshop is based on four linked papers that examine some cross-cutting themes that characterise the work of European cooperation project "Workplace learning partnerships" (WLP). The papers provide insights into research-oriented knowledge development alongside practice-oriented piloting and knowledge utilisation.

The questions to be discussed in this context are the following:

1. How can comparative studies facilitate mutual learning between different country contexts? What conclusions can be drawn to develop the methodologies of comparative studies?
2. How can the project find a balance between research-driven innovation agendas and practical piloting? How can the conceptual development with 'portfolios' and 'personal learning environments' be related to the project-specific work with 'personal learning reviews'?
3. How can the project link a virtual networking approach (the Social Web) to collaboration within and between SMEs? How can workplace-related learning needs be aggregated and resource pools be supported in such a way that the enterprises can see the benefits of such facilities?
4. How can the case studies of the WLP project make transparent the prospects for cross-cultural learning regarding the themes 'regional development', 'networking' and 'internationalisation'? What kind of conclusions can be drawn regarding trans-national innovation transfer and "European" innovations?

Methodology or methods/research instruments or sources used:

The first paper - "The role of comparative studies as support for trans-cultural learning in the WLP project" - is presented by Pekka Kämäräinen and Wolfgang Wittig. The paper is based on an interim synthesis report of the WLP project. The paper discusses the role of European cluster models and cognitive maps as support for developmental work in a specific country context.

The second paper - "Finding a balance between research goals and developmental needs: the issue of 'personal learning environments' and 'personal learning reviews'" - is presented by Miran Papez. This paper deals with the conceptual prospects opened by 'portfolios' and 'personal learning environments' and the practical needs to develop specific tools ('personal learning review') for piloting.

The third paper - "The social web and collaboration in training enterprises" - is presented by Al Harris and Elmo De Angelis. This paper links the development of a virtual learning strategy to piloting with Social Software and to the shaping of a related support concept.

The fourth paper - "The impact of regional development, networking and internationalisation on workplace learning partnerships in different countries" - is presented by M'Hamed Dif and Olesja Bykova. Comparison between two country contexts highlights the role of regional development agendas, networking (or limits to networking) and internationalisation as preconditions for promoting workplace learning partnerships.

Conclusions or expected outcomes or findings:

The Research Workshop will conclude a collaborative working phase in the WLP project. By using a public blog page the preparatory work will be made transparent for all. The outcomes and the experience with the collaborative preparation will be reviewed by the invited discussant (Graham Attwell) who has been involved as a resource person at different stages of the project.

References:

• Kolb D. Experimental learning: experience as a source of learning and development. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1984.
• Open University. A portfolio approach for personal and career development. Milton Keynes: OU, 1992.
• Redman W. Portfolios for development. London: Kogan Page, 1994.
• Sackville AD. Assembling and using a professional portfolio. Ormskirk: Edge Hill University College, 1997. Seldin P.
• The teaching portfolio. 2nd ed. Boston, MA: Anker, 1997. Meyer, Kerstin/Mizdalski, Rainer, 2003: Partnerschaftlich ausbilden - ein Qualitätsmerkmal für die Berufsbildung, in: Berufsbildung 57(79), 39-40.
• Rauner, Felix (et al.), 2004: Modellversuch GAPA - Gemeinsamer Abschlussbericht, Ms., Bremen.
• Rauner, Felix/Pirschl, Günther/Johannsen, Peter (Hrsg.), 1999: Modellversuch GoLo. Gemeinsamer Abschlußbericht, Ms., Bremen/ Wilhelmshaven.
• Rauner, Felix, 1998: Ausbildungspartnerschaft: Das Modell GoLo, in: Berufsbildung 52(50), 22-28.

• cetis.ac.uk/members/ple
• The Virtual Learning Environment takes it personally
• ossite.org