Freshmen's Self-Regulation Through Workplace Learning in Vocational Education and Training

• In Event: Roundtable Session 37
  In Roundtable Session: Workplace Learning: Multiple Contexts, Multiple Settings

Abstract

25-40 % of Dutch VET curricula is situated in apprenticeships. Previous studies have questioned the effectiveness of these apprenticeships in terms of learning (Poortman, 2007; Jossberger, 2010; Wagenaar, 2008). We investigated the impact of the first apprenticeship period on the self-regulated behaviour of freshmen apprentices. It is hypothesized that apprentices improve on aspects of self-regulated behaviour since they are introduced to professional life for the first time. By means of a pre-test post-test design we measured 6 different aspects of self-regulated behaviour: goal setting; goal intentions; work-related self-efficacy; apprenticeship-related motivation; inoculation against setbacks; and implementation intentions. The study confirmed the hypothesis to a certain extent. Yet, the students’ goal intentions and the apprenticeship-related motivation is unexpectedly not boosted.

Authors

• Haske van Vlokhoven, HAN University of Applied Sciences

• Ruud Klarus, HAN University of Applied Sciences

• Jeroen J.G. Van Merrienboer, Maastricht University

• Loek F.M. Nieuwenhuis, HAN University of Applied Sciences

• Derk-Jan Nijman, HAN University of Applied Sciences