Work-based learning as critical social pedagogy

This paper reports research conducted by the Research Centre for Learning and Social Transformation (CLAST). Its work on work-based learning reframes the dualism of higher education and vocational education and training within a critical social pedagogy framework. In implementing work-based learning, the research team is aware of the epistemological and historical backgrounds of both work-based learning and critical social pedagogy and the tensions between competing interests embedded in their practices. Some of these backgrounds will be explored briefly to position CLAST's view on work-based learning and critical social pedagogy within broader educational debates. The paper argues that two main forces, economic responsiveness and critical social pedagogy, form an integral, historic part of work-based learning. The specific expression of these debates in the Centre's application will be described as main strategies and principles developed in the Graduate Diploma of Social Sciences (Community Services).