APPRENTICESHIP: APPLICATIONS IN ADULT EDUCATION

In apprenticeship, the teacher and content are fused. The teacher guides learners in an active learning process that promotes higher-order thinking skills as the learners are doing and thinking about their practice in the midst of a complex workflow. While teaching a skill set or body of knowledge in a workplace context, the teacher guides the learners' understanding of their role and identity in their community of practice. The concept of community of practice, a central philosophy of apprenticeship, is defined and explored. Examples of apprentice and mentor learning opportunities are provided to illustrate the power of this adult learning perspective. Reflections on the capabilities and limitations of the perspective provide readers with items to consider when applying apprenticeship concepts in their practice of adult education. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]