Informal Learning of Newcomer Baristas in Artisanal Coffee Shops of New York

• In Event: AERA Graduate Student Research-in-Progress Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Understanding Learning Experiences in Formal and Informal Education Settings (Table 12)

Abstract

In this study I used narrative inquiry approach (Daiute, 2014) to reveal implicit learning understood as changes in meaning that the individual does not recognize as learning (Eraut, 2004). Following sociocultural theory of learning (Vygotsky, 1962) I interviewed four newcomer baristas in artisanal cafés and compared their narratives with statements of the café owners published online. All narratives were analyzed and coded for values understood as practical rationale behind each sentence (t-unit). The analysis of 382 t-units revealed that implicit learning constitutes a significant part of the experience of newcomer and manifests itself as values of adapting to new society and developing more individualistic attitude. The value of customer service was the major overlap with narratives of the owners.

Author

• Fedor Marchenko, Graduate Center - CUNY