Learning women's anti-violence work: A phenomenographic study
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Issue Date
2014-03-12
Editor
Authors
Alexander, Margaret Marion
License
Subject
CoP
learning
phenomenography
practice
situated
workplace
learning
phenomenography
practice
situated
workplace
Abstract
This study explores ways in which workers understand learning in relation to their work. The participants worked in Ontario women's shelters. The research method applied in this study was phenomenography. Eight women's anti-violence workers shared insights through semi-structured interviews. Four qualitatively different ways of understanding learning in anti-violence work emerged from the data. The study suggests that women's anti-violence workers understand their learning as deeply embedded in their work contexts and in the changes they are trying to effect. The scope and focus of these changes varied. The findings of this study could assist in the development of conceptual frameworks for training anti-violence workers. The researcher also suggests that communities of practice may be critical forums for learning, as they are designed for situated workplace learning, and can evolve with changing contexts.