Acquisition of higher-order professional competencies: a new synergistic learning model

Context This research centres on the acquisition of professional competencies by graduates who have recently entered the construction industry. Many professional competencies involve critical thinking and subjective decision-making under conditions of uncertainty and variability; and therefore require higher-order abilities to accomplish. The acquisition of these competencies has been shown to be problematic, difficult to achieve and to take longer than anticipated. The aim of this research was to determine if acquisition could be enhanced and/or accelerated. Research Design The research design adopted a mixed methods approach. The study commenced by identifying and defining the problematic competencies through a process of qualitative research. This was followed by analysis of existing learning theories and non-traditional learning techniques that had been applied in other contexts through a search of the literature and published accounts of applications. The analysis identified constituent parts of theories and practice which were developed into an innovative learning model. The model was tested through a process of quantitative research conducted using a controlled experiment with a sample of new-entrant ... (continues)