Toward a Theory of Work-Based Learning. IEE Brief Number 23.

Experiential or work-based learning has been touted as imperative for the development of students and their preparation for the workplace. However, work-based learning does not always occur or occur to a significant extent merely because a student is in the workplace. What matters is the nature of the student's participation in workplace activities. Factors influencing the transfer of learning include the following: the knowledge environment of the workplace, how the knowledge is used, historical characteristics, the micropolitics of knowledge (who gets to know what, who controls access and how), and the learning process. Therefore, it is not enough to claim that a great deal of knowledge is present in the environment; educators need to track the learner's engagement in the use of that knowledge. (Contains 29 references) (KC)