Boundary crossing in vocational education and research: The case of regional learning

This chapter describes a study carried out in a Dutch vocational education and training college, where a new educational concept named ‘Regional Learning’ was introduced several years ago. The study aimed at generating insights in the kinds of learning that takes place, and into the use of roles and pedagogical instruments to support learning. These insights should support the further development of Regional Learning. The research consisted of: (1) document analysis; (2) interviews and observations; and (3) co-creation sessions with students, teachers and researchers. The results show that: (1) the educational concept had not yet been properly established when it was introduced in the college; (2) difficulties were encountered in combining the existing curriculum with the new concept and establishing new routines; and (3) co-creation produced ideas and plans for the further development of the education concept.

The discussion section describes the narrative of the applied participatory practice-based research approach. It shows that this kind of research requires specific conditions and explicit, constant attention by all participants.