The inner theatre in learning

by Andersson Gustafsson, Gunilla

The inner theatre in learning A study about vocational education and the growth of knowledge within craft T he problem that initiated my study was the great change that has taken place within vocational education for craftsmen. At present, this education is largely offered in the environment of the school, while it was earlier a master – apprentice relationship. The problem involved moving an education from its natural habitat to a synthetic environment, which has resulted in both advantages and disadvantages. A man’s journey through his time of work was presented to a group of hairdressers in a case study as a story and a dialogue seminar about the example was held. With this method it is my wish to shed light on, and eventually understand the development of craftsmanship and what factors are of importance in the development of knowledge. If a craftsman loses his tradition and knowledge through experience, craftsmanship may indeed be hollow. Hairdressers, carpenters and goldsmiths all experience the same problem. Knowledge disappears when old masters die if they have failed to impart the knowledge they have gained through experience to their successors. Some knowledge is no longer needed, but the depth of the knowledge that is used will continue to be needed. Security in a profession may disappear if there is no continuity in the education. Judgment and responsibility are important concepts in skill and craftsmanship. It is the right judgment at the right time that makes the expert an expert. It is very difficult to describe how a person makes the right decision. Much of his knowledge is tacit. The expert simply does it, while the