Authentic Learning and Communities of Practice in Tourism Higher Education

Abstract

This article examines the potential of guest lectures to function as tools for authentic learning in a tourism management program. Using a qualitative interpretive approach, semistructured interviews were conducted with a sample of 20 students from 11 undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Interview questions addressed the guest lectures as well as aspects of social learning insofar as they relate to authentic learning. It is found that guest lectures can contribute to authentic learning by adding an applied dimension to tourism higher education while simultaneously providing inspiration for career choice. Implications for program and curriculum development are considered.

Keywords:

• situated learning
• guest lectures, guest lecturers
• tourism management
• tertiary education