The Context of Practice Learning: The Recognition and Celebration of Difference

Summary

All societies experience some form of socially structured difference. This common factor provides a context for the construction of practice learning. In different societies, there will be many responses to this common context that will influence the nature of practice learning. In this chapter it is argued that practice teachers and students need to recognise the existence of socially structured difference and to examine its implications for their placements. A framework to help students and practice teachers to conceptualise the impact of socially structured difference on placements is suggested. This can be used by practice teachers and students to frame their own response to fit the particular placement.