How a Research Conference Created New Learning: A Case Study

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Bibliographic Details
Title: How a Research Conference Created New Learning: A Case Study
Language: English
Authors: Hatcher, Tim, Wiessner, Colleen Aalsburg, Storberg-Walker, Julia, Chapman, Diane
Source: Journal of European Industrial Training. 2006 30(4):256-271.
Availability: Emerald. 875 Massachusetts Avenue 7th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02139. Tel: 888-622-0075; Fax: 617-354-6875; e-mail: america@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emeraldinsight.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2006
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Early Childhood Education
Descriptors: Critical Theory, Student Attitudes, Theory Practice Relationship, Organizations (Groups), Human Resources, Case Studies, Conferences (Gatherings), Learning Processes, Feedback (Response), Research, Learning, Data Analysis, Adult Education
Geographic Terms: Colorado, United States
DOI: 10.1108/03090590610673632
ISSN: 0309-0590
Abstract: Purpose: The study presents preliminary findings from research begun at the 2005 Academy of Human Resource Development International Research Conference held in Estes Park, CO, USA. The qualitative case study captures what new learning occurred as a result of the conference and how the new learning at the conference occurred. Design/methodology/approach: The qualitative case study used conceptual foundations grounded within critical theory and focused on learning organizations, communities of practice (CoP), and knowledge generation. Findings: Participant reactions documented on approximately 1,000 data forms were categorized for this preliminary study as critical perspectives on HRD where typically underrepresented voices critiqued the conference, CoP as relationships between theory and practice where participants reported that theory to practice was a rich research topic, and learning organizations where results indicated that the academy benefits through conferences in terms of creating a learning organization. Research limitations/implications: Preliminary results were based on preliminary analysis of data forms only. Future reports will include in-depth analyses of data forms, and results of interviews and other collected data such as journals and observations. Practical implications: Findings are important to conference planning and evaluation that seeks to create and sustain new learning. Originality/value: The study is the first of its kind addressing the way conferences can influence the creation of new learning and how learning occurs. (Contains 1 table.)
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 30
Entry Date: 2008
Accession Number: EJ801730
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Purpose: The study presents preliminary findings from research begun at the 2005 Academy of Human Resource Development International Research Conference held in Estes Park, CO, USA. The qualitative case study captures what new learning occurred as a result of the conference and how the new learning at the conference occurred. Design/methodology/approach: The qualitative case study used conceptual foundations grounded within critical theory and focused on learning organizations, communities of practice (CoP), and knowledge generation. Findings: Participant reactions documented on approximately 1,000 data forms were categorized for this preliminary study as critical perspectives on HRD where typically underrepresented voices critiqued the conference, CoP as relationships between theory and practice where participants reported that theory to practice was a rich research topic, and learning organizations where results indicated that the academy benefits through conferences in terms of creating a learning organization. Research limitations/implications: Preliminary results were based on preliminary analysis of data forms only. Future reports will include in-depth analyses of data forms, and results of interviews and other collected data such as journals and observations. Practical implications: Findings are important to conference planning and evaluation that seeks to create and sustain new learning. Originality/value: The study is the first of its kind addressing the way conferences can influence the creation of new learning and how learning occurs. (Contains 1 table.)
ISSN:0309-0590
DOI:10.1108/03090590610673632