Psychopedagogy studies the learning processes of people, and is usually focused on children.
Although the study of learning in adults is unusual, Cecilia Irazoqui and Valentina Fernández Rago opted for this, understanding that the learning that people have in adulthood is immersed in different variables. So, —to professionalize this study— they launched a diploma course at the Center for Teaching, Research and Learning Information (Cediiap) specialized in occupational psychopedagogy: “A specialization that has a lot to contribute to the area of people in various companies”, according to the founders of this specialization in Uruguay.
As Fernández Rago explained in an interview with Coffee & Business, the relationship between employees, directors and companies in the workplace is becoming more and more relevant. It is that in the current context —characterized for approximately two years by the acronym BANI (for its acronym in English): anxious, fragile, incomprehensible and non-linear— companies are paying more attention to the care of workers, for example, deepening the learning of each one so that they have different opportunities.
By the way, the coordinator of this new specialization explained that it is currently essential for a person to constantly learn new tools: “It is the key to remain active in the market,” she stated. And the fact that companies can accompany these processes has direct effects on the motivation of people because both seniors and juniors in a company —who are protagonists in their own learning processes— demand attention, support and training.
For this reason, labor psychology becomes an essential practice for any company regardless of the field.
“We are convinced that the view from labor psychopedagogy is a must have in today’s business world,” said Irazoqui.
Although to exemplify, Fernández Rago explained that an area in which learning must be rigorous is technology. In this, both directors and workers demand the learning of new tools for their performance, which is why —according to the diploma coordinator—, the work carried out by a psychologist specialized in the workplace is essential. It is that this position puts the focus on learning as a process that must be understood to enhance it, specializing in learning in the adult stage; and even more specifically, in the workplace.
“We deeply believe in the benefits that occupational psychopedagogy has for people and organizations. We know that in a short time this will be more and more common in companies; it is a matter of seeing the enormous value it has”, pointed out Irazoqui and Fernández Rago.
Labor psychology aims for people to learn to work in an integral way; with a mind set (mental programming, in Spanish) that allows them personal and professional growth.
Diploma in Uruguay
The coordinators of the new Uruguayan diploma course studied this same specialization in Argentina, because it was not in Uruguay. And because of the value they found in the training, they decided to create it in the country.
“Labor psychopedagogy arrives to include new visions, which can be complementary to those that exist,” said Fernández Rago.
So they developed a one-year study plan —with biweekly courses— that will be taught virtually at Cediiap, a university center specializing in educational psychology.
Regarding the format in which the specialization is presented, Fernández Rago explained that together with his partner they questioned the fact of doing it in person or virtually but they decided on the second one because they wanted it to reach as many people as possible: “It will be completely online to give the possibility of participating to professionals who live in Spanish-speaking places both inside Uruguay and from other countries”.
Regarding the participants, he explained that —since it is postgraduate training— it is recommended that students have some degree training in an area related to occupational psychopedagogy; which can be educational psychology, psychology or even labor relations. However, it can be accessed by anyone who is willing to learn this skill, and who is working in an area of this type but without a basic training like the ones mentioned above.
Courtesy Valentina Fernandez Rago
Valentina Fernández Rago and Cecilia Irazoqui
The Diploma in Labor Psychopedagogy will begin to be taught in March 2023 and, in addition to the classes, it will have the support of local and international companies from various fields, which will open the doors of their headquarters in Uruguay to receive the students and show the day day by day in their companies. Fernández Rago said that they have already made a link with some technology companies, such as Abstracta, Globant and JAM 3: “There is a lot of talk about Uruguay being a technology hub, and although this role is not focused solely on the technology area, we believe it is much the value that can be provided there, and also in other areas”, stated the coordinator.
Asked about the areas in which one can work after completing this degree, she said that a labor psychologist can practice in any area related to people management.
“The companies already have this set up; labor psychopedagogy arrives to include new visions, which can be extremely complementary to those that exist in different companies. It is a plus”, concluded Fernández Rago.
