Workplace Education Overview.

Overview & Synopsis

This document, which is intended for adult educators and others interested in developing and delivering a workplace education program, provides an overview of workplace education. First, workplace education programs are defined as programs in which adult learners are taught basic skills by using the functional context of their jobs and a curriculum that was developed after analyzing their critical job tasks to identify the basic reading, writing, math, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills required for them to perform their jobs competently. Discussed next are the concepts of workplace education as a business and workplace education as a partnership. After a brief discussion of the past, present, and likely future of workplace education, the following general steps in developing a workplace education based on the functional context approach are detailed: form a workplace advisory council, identify critical job tasks, conduct a workplace education needs assessment, perform a basic skills task analysis, develop a curriculum, provide instruction, and evaluate the workplace education program's effectiveness. Concluding the guide is a brief comment on starting a workplace education program. Contains 10 references. (MN)