Problem-Based Learning in the Irish SME Workplace

Autor/inn/en	O'Brien, Emma; McCarthy, John; Hamburg, Ileana; Delaney, Yvonne
Titel	Problem-Based Learning in the Irish SME Workplace
Quelle	In: Journal of Workplace Learning, 31 (2019) 6, S.391-407 (17 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1366-5626
DOI	10.1108/JWL-10-2018-0131
Schlagwörter	Foreign Countries; Problem Based Learning; Workplace Learning; Small Businesses; Educational Needs; Cost Effectiveness; Incidental Learning; Informal Education; Job Skills; Skill Development; Transfer of Training; Problem Solving; Communication Skills; Ireland + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Ausland; Problem-based learning; Problemorientiertes Lernen; Kleingewerbe; Educational need; Bildungsbedarf; Kosten-Nutzen-Analyse; Kosten-Nutzen-Denken; Inzidentelles Lernen; Informelle Bildung; Nichtformale Bildung; Produktive Fertigkeit; Kompetenzentwicklung; Qualifikationsentwicklung; Training; Transfer; Ausbildung; Problemlösen; Kommunikationsstil; Irland
Abstract	Purpose: This paper aims to explore how in Irish small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), problem-based learning (PBL) could possibly provide a paradigm which addresses two key research objectives: What are the learning needs and challenges faced by Irish SMEs? and How could PBL satisfy these needs through integrating formal and informal learning? Design/Methodology/Approach: An action research methodology was adopted using Lewin's (1994) action research cycle. In the reconnaissance stage, surveys and focus groups were conducted with a purposive research sample of Irish SMEs regarding their learning needs and challenges. Based on these results, a plan was formulated to adapt the traditional PBL model into a workplace PBL model (wPBL). Lastly, the wPBL model was implemented and evaluated in 42 SMEs. Findings: The research identified several specific learning needs for SMEs, namely, learning that is cost-effective, tailored to the company and its challenges, immediately applied, demonstrates a tangible outcome (is measurable), organically fostering a learning culture, addresses knowledge gaps, continuous, develops communication, team work, problem-solving and technical skills. The traditional PBL model was adapted into a wPBL model to meet the above learning needs of SMEs. It was found that the wPBL model had the potential to address long-standing company problems (making it cost-effective), facilitate continuous learning and develop horizontal and transversal skills such as problem-solving and communication. Originality/Value: Much of the learning that takes place in SMEs is incidental or informal, and often does not contribute to the long-term sustainability of the organisation. This paper aims to propose a practical framework using wPBL to structure incidental and informal learning in SMEs so that it provides an immediate benefit to the company. To date, there has been little research into the application of PBL outside higher education, and the paper proposes a framework to assist the transition of PBL to a workplace environment. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01