AN ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION OF Gayla Stoner, for the Doctor of Philosophy in Education degree, presented on May 16, 2015, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: INSTRUCTORS' PERCEPTIONS OF ONLINE INSTRUCTION WITHIN REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS MAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. Barbara Hagler This qualitative study explored the perceptions of instructor use of online instruction within Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs). The study concentrated on experienced instructors within a RAP that is part of a long-term, well-established trade union located in a major metropolitan area in the Midwestern United States. This study was informed by the methodology of a constructivist case study, which included the following methods: document review, expert panel, and in-depth interviews. Swan, Garrison, and Richardson's (2009) process-oriented model of the Community of Inquiry (CoI) with a constructivist approach served as the conceptual framework to inform this study. The purpose of this study was to contribute to the body of knowledge of online instruction within RAPs. The focus of this research study described (a) how RAP instructors perceive online instruction, (b) how their perceptions might impact the learning experiences of adult learners, and (c) how the perception of online learning may be improved among such instructors. The Office of Apprenticeship, which is within U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA), recently revised regulations that now encourage the integration of technology-enhanced training into RAPs. Specifically, on October 29, 2008, the ETA, through its Office of Apprenticeship, exercised its statutory authority under the National Apprenticeship Act of 1937 and promulgated the first revision in more than 30 years to its longstanding regulatory rubric governing RAPs (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 29, Part 29) (Labor, 2008). These revisions, published in Title 29, Part 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (29 CFR Part 29), embrace the use of "electronic media," including "interactive distance learning," as permissible instructional vehicles for the technical training of RAP-enrolled apprentices (Labor, 2008). As a result of the revision of 29 CFR Part 29, RAPs now have the option to augment their formal training programs with non-traditional instructional modalities for the benefit of both apprentice-sponsoring employers and enrolled apprentices. Interviewee quotes are used throughout the study to illustrate the range of interviewee opinion and to support conclusions. These findings may enable the instructor to provide quality instruction by demonstrating the elements of presence described in the CoI process-oriented model. In addition, my findings indicated there is evidence of a CoI process-oriented model that helps facilitate quality online learning within this specific RAP. I also discovered that RAP instructors recognize and encourage the benefits of online instruction for the apprentice, which includes (a) increased training opportunities and (b) the ability to maintain adult lifestyles. Additionally, instructors serve as mentors for the apprentice by providing guidance and opportunities in regard to achieving their educational goals. Also, I found that perceptions of online learning will continue to improve through the ongoing support provided by the RAP. Support includes technology-based workshops and pedagogical-based professional development opportunities. Finally, RAP instructors must continue to be educated on the advantages online instruction can bring to the self-directed apprentice. Primary conclusions from the study are the revelation of a strong community establishment within this specific RAP. This community of learners support the apprentice's ability to contribute positively to the workforce through the attainment of educational goals. In addition, RAP instructors take ownership of the responsibility to provide flexible educational offerings to the apprentice. These offerings include the delivery of quality courses that result in the benefits gained through online instruction. Also, instructor support of resources must continue to remain a priority for the RAP. Finally, I concluded that the self-directed apprentice has similar attributes as the ideal online learner. Flowing from the study's conclusions are several recommendations for this specific RAP, as well as the Employment and Training Administration. My recommendations include the suggestions for online lifelong learning and professional development course offerings, as well as the comparison of the learning outcomes of apprentices based on delivery modes. I recommended assessments and evaluations or online program evaluation in RAPs. Also, I recommended instructor creation of a mechanism for evaluating the quality of online instruction within RAPs. I recommended that RAPs continue to consider additional paths for sustainable funding. Additionally, I recommended that RAP instructors should receive more knowledge and application training in regard to the utilization of the process-oriented model theoretical framework of the Community of Inquiry. Finally, I recommended the creation of a national advisory sub-committee to serve the Federal Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship. The sub-committee would be charged with the purpose of understanding and disseminating educational and technological instruction to enhance RAPs.

M.Ed. (Curriculum Studies) / The purpose of this research is to set a structure for the practical training of N-course apprentices. This research focuses on the practical training of apprentices in the telecommunications field. However it has become clear that this structure can be applied to other fields of practical training for apprentices as well. It is important for all training officials who deal with practical training in the technical field to keep pace with the latest development in competency-based training in the technological world. Modular practical training focuses on the ability of the apprentice to master specific skills as required in his field of training. The training program comprises a set of instruction modules with set objectives which can be obtained only if followed by carrying out specific actions. The important characteristic of modular training is that the apprentice is expected to master all the modules set for his particular field of occupation at his own pace according to his individual talents and abilities. The individual trainee is held responsible for succesfully mastering all practical objectives set to him. These modules are arranged progressively and progress is measured with definite performance criteria. A practical module is a complete instructional unit. It comprises aims, objectives, a pre-test, contents with resource material and a final criterium test.

Bibliography: pages 107-120. / This thesis explores the decline and transmutation of the apprenticeship system in South Africa, specifically as it occurred in the metal and engineering industry. It proceeds to analyse the most basic and influential imperatives which have driven this process. On the side of capital, these imperatives were the inexorable motive for a profit driven industrial organisation and on the side of organised labour, the imperatives to protect skills, jobs and wages. The existence of the one set of imperatives presupposed the need to redefine the existence of the other set. These contradictory imperatives have shaped the trajectory of the apprenticeship system in South Africa. They were contradictory because the one was an impediment on the untrammelled extension of the other. However, as the imperative of profit maximisation gradually became the predominant consideration in the relationship, it began to exert greater pressure on the character of the apprenticeship system. Within the apprenticeship training system, the imperative of profit maximization prioritised price calculation as the dominant consideration by which decisions and trajectories were chartered. Since the state mediated the relationship between the various economic interests in society, its interventions merely curtailed a more rapid consolidation of the effects of a profit driven industrial organisational imperative, within the apprenticeship training system. The triumph of the profit maximization imperative, systematically eroded the system of apprenticeship training in the metal and engineering industry of South Africa. An institutional inertia within the South African state resulted in the manifestation of erosive effects within institutions of the state empowered with governing and managing human resources development. This institutional inertia within the state was an accompaniment to the broader erosion of the apprenticeship training system at the workplace.

This paper is prepared in two sections. The first section is a summation of the opinion of leading educators, and others, in the area of vocational industrial education, as regards management, labor and the public schools' responsibility for the administration of an efficient program of training apprentices for the skilled trades. The second section--which is an appendix to the paper--is prepared in the form of a handbook. The objective of this handbook is an attempt to follow the thinking of these persons by condensing and coordinating the essential ideas of their writings and experiences and compiling a practical, usable teacher training guide for instructors of apprenticeship classes. The specific objective of the handbook is to improve instruction. It will be used for both pre-service and in-service teacher training. / Typescript. / "August, 1961." / "Submitted to the Graduate Council of Florida State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science." / Advisor: Edward K. Hankin, Professor Directing Paper. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 34-36).

A research report submitted to the Wits School of Education, Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education by combination of coursework and research Johannesburg, February 2018. / Worldwide, various governments have taken significant measures to promote vocational education in an attempt to position it as an equal alternative to academic education. The problem, however, is that in many countries neither young people nor their parents perceive vocational education as having the same value as academic education (Allais, Marock, & Molebatsi, 2014). This is in contrast to Continental European countries, such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland where approximately two thirds of youth completing general schooling each year select vocational education over university education. South Africa a country in which vocational education is extremely stigmatized, is reforming its apprenticeship system and has set itself a target of qualifying 24 000 new artisans by 2020 (DHET 2015). Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges are viewed as key vehicles through which large numbers of artisans can be trained. However, employers do not have trust in the quality and capacity of public TVET colleges and have taken responsibility for training artisans through their own in-house training facilities and private training providers (National Treasury n.d.). The result is that TVET colleges have been side-lined in the supply chain for artisan development. It is against this background that the South African government is piloting a dual system apprenticeship project, which aims to: a) improve the quality of artisan training at public TVET colleges; b) build employer trust in the quality of the public artisan training system; and c) position TVET education as an attractive option for young people. This research is focused on apprentices training to become electricians through a dual apprenticeship model. The dual system integrates classroom theory with on-the-job instruction thus ensuring that learning is integrated and regularly reinforced. Through semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire, this study brings the voices of 95 electrical apprentices to bear in order to develop a much deeper, richer and nuanced understanding of how apprentices experience the artisan development system. It seeks to understand what motivates young people to enrol at a TVET college, and what apprentices’ experiences, perceptions and expectations are of dual system apprenticeships. The study provides insights into the merits and challenges of dual system apprenticeships within the South African context. / XL2019

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Thesis (MTech (Business Administration)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018. / In South Africa the government, industry and communities have placed pressure on Higher Education Institutions to deal with general skills shortage: whilst they prepare students to meet requirements and standards which industry expects. Universities of Technology are empowering students with theory, combining it with practical experience to generate graduates that are ready to meet industry’s demands and professional expectations. However, it has not proved easy to place students.The researcher has attempted to establish from companies the reasons the challenges and barriers posed during the Work Integrated Learning process. Work-Integrated Learning is important in bridging the gap between graduate attributes and industry expectations and the significant role that it plays in bridging the gap between graduate attributes and industry expectations. The workplace is a source of learning for students.The feedback from industry supervisors should be seen as an integral part of assessing students’ readiness for the world of work. The purpose of this research is to ascertain how managers deal with students during the Work-Integrated Learning period.The results of the study create foundation for future developments and research. It will also inform the development of an effective and innovative Work-Integrated Learning curriculum that is more supportive academically, and that encourages professional excellence and produces work-ready graduates. A qualitative research method was used in the study. Fifteen financial services managers from different companies were individually interviewed. Ethical approval for the study was sought and obtained. The results demonstrated that the managers experienced mixed feelings regarding their experience when supervising students in their respective companies. A closer examination of the managers’ responses, however, revealed that they had high expectations of students that participated in WIL, coupled with the quality of training provided by the Higher Education Institutions. These expectations include the following: effective time management, especially when reporting for work; regular attendance and team work, good and effective communication between company and the hosting university; and for WIL students to work independently, were all regarded as important.Although some managers had positive experiences of supervising students, there were those that expressed concerns about students’ levels of work readiness, as some indicated that students lacked self-confidence, while others raised concerns about students’ attitudes and lack of work ethics. It is recommended that the WIL programme should include activities that will enhance students’ confidence, independence and work-effectiveness. A collaborative effort should be made between various stakeholders that are involved in WIL: The need to give feedback to students on a full range of skills and competencies in the workplace, has not been extensively studied; hence an attempt by the researcher to establish some of the industry managers’ experiences in this regard.

Orientador: Rogério Galante Negri / Coorientador: Jorge Kennety Silva Formiga / Banca: Vivian Silveira dos Santos Bardini / Banca: Lucas Hidenori Okamura / Resumo: Esta pesquisa buscou propor um protocolo para funcionamento de uma ferramenta de auxílio no processo de ensino/aprendizado. Tal protocolo é construído com base nos conceitos de identificação e preenchimento de lacunas de aprendizado, identificadas por intermédio de sucessivos testes rápidos (quiz) que são aplicados durante o desenvolvimento das disciplinas. A fim de verificar o potencial da proposta, e assim motivar a implementação da ferramenta em questão, foi realizado um estudo de caso envolvendo duas turmas de duas disciplinas distintas de graduação da Faculdade Anhanguera de São José dos Campos. A eficácia do processo de ensino investigado foi verificada mediante análises estatísticas, se utilizando dos testes de "Wilcoxon" que visava comparar se houve melhora entre os quizzes do mesmo assunto; "Iteração de uma amostra" que buscou verificar se as melhoras e pioras acontecem de forma aleatória; e "χ^2 para uma amostra" que verificou se a melhora difere com relação ao comportamento mediano esperado. E pôde-se observar resultados favoráveis ao método proposto, o que demonstra eficácia do protocolo, objeto desta pesquisa / Abstract : This project looked for a protocol for the operation of an aid tool in the teaching / learning process. The protocol is based on the concepts of identifying and filling learning gaps, high school sessions, quick tests and tests are applied during the development of the disciplines. In order to verify the potential of the proposal, as well as to motivate the implementation of the tool in question, a case study was carried out on the two classes of undergraduate courses of the Anhanguera Faculty of São José dos Campos. The investigation of the teaching process investigated was used as a statistical database using "Wilcoxon" tests that aimed to compare if there was improvement between the quizzes of the same subject; "Iteration of a sample" that sought to verify if the improvements and worsen happen in a random way; and "���� 2 for one sample" that verified if the improvement differs with respect to the expected median behavior. And it was possible to observe favorable results to the proposed method, which demonstrates effectiveness of the protocol, object of this reasearch / Mestre

This thesis examines the learning preferences and learning strategies of apprentices, and the contexts within which they learn in their workplaces. Since the end of the 1980s Australian vocational education and training (VET) structures and processes have undergone radical change in attempts to develop skills in the workforce that will ensure enterprise, national, and international competitiveness. A major strategy in the national reforms has been the encouragement of flexible delivery as a means through which workplace-based learning can be accessed by a larger number of workers in ways that are cost-efficient, and that reduce the amount of time that workers spend away from their jobs. Although flexible delivery has been championed by governments and industry alike, there has been little attempt to identify the preparedness of either learners or their workplaces for the demands of flexible learning. The thesis examines the economic context for these changes to VET, and also examines the literature available on workplace learning. Additionally, the thesis examines the conceptualisations of flexible delivery that are available in the literature, pointing to the possibility that the wide range of meanings associated with the term ‘flexible delivery’ may result in quite different practices and expectations. The thesis also examines the literature on independent learning and self-directed learning, and explores the concept of ‘client-focused’ flexible delivery. The study of learner preferences uses data collected from apprentices over a period of some years, in the four occupational areas commanding the highest number of apprentices in Australia. These occupational areas are Metals and Machining, Building, Electrical, and Hairdressing. These data on learning preferences are collected using the commercially available Canfield Learning Styles Inventory (CLSI). The data from the sample of 389 apprentices are analysed statistically through analyses of variance, and indicate that variables such as age, gender, and occupational area are related to learning preferences. Apprentices are shown by this analysis to prefer structured programs of instruction that are instructor-led, and to not have a high preference for independent learning or the development of their own learning goals. Additionally, they are shown to have very low preferences for learning through reading, preferring instead to learn through direct hands-on experience. While these characteristics are largely common among the four occupational groups, the Hairdressing apprentices are shown to have a slightly higher preference for independent learning and goal setting. Females are shown to have a higher preference than males for learning qualitative material through reading. Interestingly, the younger apprentices are shown to have a higher preference than the older ones for self-directed learning. Some possibilities for that finding are discussed. The research also shows that the learning preferences displayed by different groups of apprentices in any one program are much the same over time, providing some confidence that data generated from one group of apprentices can be used to make instructional decisions for future groups in the same program. The data are also factor analysed to indicate three major factors underlying apprentice learning preferences. The first factor indicates a Verbal–Non-verbal preference factor, with apprentices clearly preferring to learn through non-verbal means. A second factor is described as Structure–Content, with apprentices showing a preference for learning from structured programs in a structured environment. A third factor, Self-directed–Social preference, indicates apprentices preferring to learn through socially mediated presentations and contexts rather than through more independent forms of learning. Qualitative data are also generated through interviewing eight apprentices, and focusing on the learning strategies they employ while constructing knowledge in the workplace. That component of the research uses a modification of the Marland, Patching and Putt (1992a, 1992b) stimulated recall technique, and a set of learning strategies derived from the work of O’Malley and Chamot (1990) and Billett (1996a). The eight apprentices are drawn from the Metals and Machining, Electrical, and Hairdressing trades. The findings indicate that the learning strategies most often used by apprentices in the workplace are those associated with the construction of knowledge that is structured and provided by the instructor or learning program, and those that include social mediation of learning. Additionally, the strategies associated with demonstration and hands-on practice are most favoured. The qualitative data are confirmatory of the quantitative data. The research also indicates, through the apprentice interviews, that support for apprentice’s learning in their workplace is typically unplanned and haphazard. Their experience was sometimes characterised by a reluctance on the part of the workplace to acknowledge learning needs such as trialling and practice of new knowledge, or pro-actively seeking understanding from other more skilled workers. The learning preferences and learning strategies findings for apprentices, coupled with the findings of typically poor or unplanned support in the workplace, indicate that effective flexible delivery of training to apprentices in the workplace provides a number of challenges. These challenges, it is argued, demand strategies to be developed and implemented to prepare both learners and workplaces for effective engagement with flexible delivery. Using as a theoretical framework Kember’s (1995) two-dimensional model of open learning for adults, the thesis integrates the findings into a proposed two-dimensional model of learner and workplace preparedness for flexible delivery. The model provides for a Learner Development Space, a Workplace Development Space, and a Strategy Space. Within the Learner Development Space, focuses for the development of learner preparedness are identified in terms of self-directed learning, skills developments, and effective participation in a community of practice. Focuses for workplace development identified in the Workplace Development Space are those associated with development of training policies, training structures, and trainer skills and abilities. The Strategy Space then provides detail of seventy-nine specific strategies developed to enhance learner and workplace preparedness within each of the focuses identified.