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Using Diaries in Research on Work and Learning

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Discourses on Professional Learning

Part of the book series: Professional and Practice-based Learning ((PPBL,volume 9))

Abstract

In recent years, the diary method has attracted increasing attention in research on work and learning. Since workplace learning is often only a by-product of working processes, data collection in situ seems to be a promising approach compared to retrospective instruments. This chapter provides a systematic overview of the manifold options when using diaries in research on work and learning. Exemplary implementations of diary instruments are presented, and future perspectives of the diary method and related measures are discussed. By discussing benefits and pitfalls of the method, this contribution aims at helping and encouraging other researchers to use diaries in their research.

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Acknowledgement

The diary studies, which I referred to in this chapter, would not have been possible without the support of many committed and competent Masters students in Business Education and Educational Management at the University of Bamberg. I would like to thank Benjamin Brosi, Katharina Haffner, Andreas Heil, Matthias Hoffmann, Laura Mayer, Kristina Thiel, Caroline Weinig and Karlheinz Wühr.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Business Education and Educational Management, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany

    Andreas Rausch

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  1. Andreas Rausch
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Correspondence to Andreas Rausch .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Educational Science, University of Paderborn, Paderborn, Germany

    Christian Harteis

  2. Department of Business Education and Educational Management, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany

    Andreas Rausch

  3. Economics and Business Education II, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany

    Jürgen Seifried

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Rausch, A. (2014). Using Diaries in Research on Work and Learning. In: Harteis, C., Rausch, A., Seifried, J. (eds) Discourses on Professional Learning. Professional and Practice-based Learning, vol 9. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7012-6_17

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