ERIC Number: EJ1054346
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1366-5626
EISSN: N/A
Mentoring in the Rail Context: The Influence of Training, Style, and Practice
Naweed, Anjum; Ambrosetti, Angelina
Journal of Workplace Learning, v27 n1 p3-18 2015
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate workplace learning in the context of the rail industry, specifically for the type of learning required to become a train driver. It examines the impact of changes to the traditional learning model, and explores the potential of mentoring in the learning/training model. Design/Methodology/Approach: This paper uses a participative research approach to examine training experiences with trainee drivers and driver trainers (n = 61) in six Australian rail organisations. The data are synthesised based on an inductive thematic analysis from focus groups, interviews and cab-rides. Findings: Current driver-learning approaches contain a number of haphazard elements that provide an unfavourable learning experience. Mentoring practices appear to be happening incidentally, despite train drivers wanting mentoring experiences. Practical Implications: In the designing and planning of new driver-learning frameworks, it is important to identify the unintended consequences of implementing a condensed "classroom" curriculum. The condensed and accelerated driver-learning model currently used could be enhanced through the incorporation of a mentoring process. Originality/value: The article fills an important research gap in the space of workplace learning and mentoring in the rail industry. The themes and findings provide a basis for why mentoring should be integrated as part of the training process. It draws attention to the importance of the situational context, and contributes to communities of practice by outlining important considerations for a holistic model of mentoring in the rail industry.
Descriptors: Mentors, Transportation, Driver Education, Workplace Learning, Industry, Training, Training Methods, Trainees, Trainers, Foreign Countries, Focus Groups, Observation, Participatory Research, Learning Processes, Curriculum Implementation, Holistic Approach, Experiential Learning, Teaching Styles, Cognitive Style, Teacher Student Relationship, Interviews
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A