Learning approaches: A challenge for higher technical and vocational education teaching

Abstract

Currently, in the business school of a professional institute in the region of Valparaiso, Chile, a professional learning community (in Spanish “Comunidad Profesional de Aprendizaje, cpa) has been formed, focused on developing a permanent reflection around the teaching-learning process, and on the alignment and improvement of teaching from its own dialogue. However, no consideration has been given to the characteristics of teaching in the area or to the way in which students achieve learning. The aim of this study is to understand how a professional learning community works in the classroom, based on the characterization of teaching practices and approaches carried out in higher technical-professional education. The study is framed in a post-positivist epistemology, from an interpretative approach with exploratory scope, through the application of in-depth interviews and focus groups, and the use of the content analysis technique. This has allowed the generation of codes and categories that make possible the construction of a comprehensive model of teaching in this community.