The Workplace as a Site of Learning: Reflections on the Conceptual Relationship Between Workplace and Learning

Abstract

The word ‘workplace’ most readily conjures up the idea of a discrete type of specialised or purpose-built space where work takes place. Of course, this is true of some workplaces, but this is not a necessary feature of a workplace as such. It is better to think of it as the location of a kind of activity called ‘work’ rather than as a determinate-specific physical location. In order to get clear about the nature of workplaces, we will need to get clear about the ideas of both location and work. The most natural way to think of a workplace is, as suggested, to think of a discrete space such as a factory, office or farm. Indeed much work takes place in such designated workplaces which are physical, usually purpose-built locations in which it is envisaged that certain kinds of work will take place.