Discusses obstacles to on-the-job learning for school administrators, focusing on work characteristics, organizational properties, and occupational norms. Analyzes the four stages of experiential learning (concrete experience, reflective analysis, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation) and applies these to principals. Suggests…

In contrast to the U.S. system of teaching management in a college setting, Germany focuses on competence development through job-based education and other European countries are somewhere in between. Management learning in class and on the job should be integrated, and diverse approaches are preferable to standardization. (SK)