The Piagetian SchSme: a Framework to Study Professional Learning Through Conceptualization

Different theories of learning have been used in vocational education studies and Piaget is a common source of reference. Our intent is to present a specific and original way in which the Piagetian theory of schSmes has been developed since the 1990s in studies called ``vocational didactics''. Developed in French-speaking countries and mostly unknown to an international audience, this approach offers a specific use of Jean Piaget's theory of learning, which has been applied to adult learning and vocational education. We will first develop the theoretical foundation of the theory of schSmes as developed by Vergnaud (1989, Recherches en didactique des math,matiques, 10(2-3), 133-170, 1990, 1996, 2001) and others after Piaget (1947). Then, we will present the methodological perspective of this approach. We will finally present significant research results to illustrate outcomes and practical implications for vocational training.