In this paper, I propose a renewed look at how teaching assistants (TAs) are being prepared to fulfill their duties in higher education. I argue that the apprenticeship model of learning that is currently in use be replaced by the more holistic workplace learning approach. Workplace learning theories take into consideration the complexity of the…

The author would like to think that, in twenty-first century Britain, the case for adult learning was firmly established and no-one was in any doubt of its value. Having spent nearly 20 years before he became an MP working as a part-time lecturer and tutor with the Open University, and seeing the transformation that it could bring to his students,…

This essay examines the dangers of attempts by educators to clothe the teaching profession in a veneer of scientific certainty. The author argues that teaching is an art, not a science, and should be proudly proclaimed as such.

Over the past 25 years, the total number of students in college has increased by about 50 percent. But the number of students graduating with degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects has remained more or less constant. In 2009 the United States graduated 89,140 students in the visual and performing arts, more…

In this article, I examine three claims that in some senses can hinder the supervisory process rather than facilitate it. These are the claims that the relationship between supervisor and student should be a friendship; that students writing their theses should demonstrate "own voice"; and that students should choose supervisors on the…

The spending review brought a promise to protect adult and community learning as well as swingeing cuts to further and higher education and local government. In this article, some of the key players--Lynne Sedgmore, Christopher Brooks, Graham Hoyle, Maggie Galliers, Louise Hazel, Richard Bolsin, Maggi Dawson, Ruth Bond, Stuart Etherington, Brendan…

We appropriate Rogoff's ("Apprenticeship in thinking: Cognitive development in social context," 1991; in: Wertsch et al. (eds.) "Sociocultural studies of mind," 1993) notion of guided participation to demonstrate, through abbreviated case studies, our strategy for integrating mobile technology-based learning experiences in higher education. Guided…

Thanks to the efforts of Chambers of Industry and Commerce and the immense output of universities and polytechnics, West Germany possesses a healthy balance of managerial talent in that area of companies that is vital for success--lower and middle management. (JOW)

Discusses Germany's apprenticeship program, examines the emerging concept of cognitive apprenticeship, and proposes an integration of the cognitive and traditional apprenticeship methods. (SR)

Calls for changes in the teaching of technical communication. Proposes including in instruction political discourse which analyzes the values of the military-industrial complex that technical writing now serves. Suggests that an apprenticeship model would be better suited to such instruction than the model now offered by the market. (SG)

In the New York area there are approximately 10 university-based labor education programs, and most larger unions have committed considerable resources to education. They have demonstrated their value to workers, benefits to employers, and advantages for unions, and have raised hopes that organized labor will garner the respect and recognition it…

Discussed in this article are the theoretical advantages and possible limitations of two recent trends in teacher education--internships and microteaching. Topics considered include the values of internship, supervision and analysis, and the overemphasis on technique. (EB)

Review of the history of clinical education at Yale Law School focuses on the influence of practitioners versus scholars. Discusses evolution from practitioner-based apprenticeship approaches, to university-based legal education, to student attempts to inject a measure of realism into theoretical studies through work in local legal aid offices, to…

Examines the need for and value of graduate education as a preparation for careers, particularly in the fine arts. Discusses the apprenticeship alternative and the continuing popularity of the Master of Fine Arts degree for actors, acting teachers, and playwrights. Suggests that those interested in design and technology should consider doctoral…

The acute deficiency in the number of clinical dental faculty who are trained to do high-quality research is discussed. There is a paucity of role models for research in dental schools. Students at dental schools have no opportunity to gain first hand knowledge of how dentist-scientists function. (MLW)