Abstract:
This paper examines the concept of the worker as learner and particularly the role of peer
learning (Boud et al, 2001) as a means of developing a culture of learning in the workplace.
The authors are involved in an ongoing long-term research project that focuses on the
effectiveness of peer learning, and in particular the use of learning partnerships in adult
education. They are investigating whether learning partnerships can encourage and improve
learning in the workplace. The results of the research to date, reported in this paper, are
based on an intensive training program delivered in two tranches (Wave 1 and Wave 2) to
300 employees of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)from October 2003 to June 2004.
Learning partnerships formed an integral part of this program.
The paper explains how learning partnerships were employed to help participants transfer
what they learnt into their workplace. It describes the findings that emerged from a
preliminary analysis of the research material that was collected after the program was
completed.
