Learning location, forms of teaching and learning
Our principal objective is to understand how best to integrate each apprentice into vocational education and training. The aim of research is to contribute to high-quality, accessible training suited to individual needs, while ensuring the development of favourable teaching and learning conditions. The main interest lies in analysing different forms of learning and teaching, from theory to practice, in the three learning locations (vocational schools, host companies and branch courses).
To meet these objectives, we conduct sociologically oriented research in two main areas.
Our first area of interest concerns the heterogeneity of apprentices and the inequalities that can result in the course of apprenticeships (in connection with migration, gender, disability, etc.). Our research focuses on how this heterogeneity is managed within institutions and on the lack of social diversity in certain VET programmes.
Secondly, we study the development of professional identity among apprentices. Here, our research focuses on the factors and conditions that influence professional integration. Various factors emerge from this, which can either encourage or discourage identification with a give occupation, including the prestige of that occupation, working and learning conditions, activities undertaken and the scope for creativity during training.
The knowledge acquired in this research field is used to improve the training provided to vocational school teachers and apprenticeship trainers. It also helps to improve the level of support provided to apprentices and helps to facilitate their workplace integration. We take steps to ensure that this knowledge is transferred to the research community and put into practice, through:
- conferences and research publications;
- debates, seminars and workshops;
- practical guides;
- course planning;
- the development of teaching and learning tools