Investigating Epistemological Beliefs in Vocational Education for Child Care Workers: New Ways of Thinking about Learning and Training

Y

19

Teacher Effectiveness; Child Caregivers; Adult Education; Foreign Countries; Vocational Education; Child Care; Epistemology; Continuing Education; Technical Education; Interviews; Student Attitudes; Early Childhood Education; Theory Practice Relationship

0311-6999

Epistemological beliefs (beliefs about knowing and knowledge) have provided interesting insights into effective teaching and learning in higher education over the last 30 years. However, to date, little research has taken place in regard to teaching and learning in the technical and further education (TAFE) context in Australia Seventeen 1st and 2nd year child care students studying for a Diploma in Children's Services were interviewed about the nature of their epistemological beliefs. The findings revealed new ways of thinking about evaluativistic beliefs, described as "practical evaluativism". These beliefs may have implications for the way in which students evaluate theory and practice for implementation in their own child care practice. (Contains 2 tables.)

As Provided

36

2009

EJ837988