ERIC Number: EJ948710
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Nov
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0020-7187
EISSN: N/A
From Learning Cultures to Educational Cultures: Values and Judgements in Educational Research and Educational Improvement
Biesta, Gert
International Journal of Early Childhood, v43 n3 p199-210 Nov 2011
This article outlines a new approach to the study of learning and the improvement of education. The approach consists of two elements: a theory of learning cultures and a cultural theory of learning. Learning cultures are different from learning contexts or learning environments in that they are to be understood as the social practices through which people learn. Learning cultures therefore do not exist objectively, but only in function of concrete practices of learning. This requires that the study of learning needs to, "follow the learning". In the cultural theory of learning, learning itself is seen as practical, embodied and social. While learning is often seen as a descriptive term, it is argued that the use of the word learning always implies a value judgement about change (for example change in cognition, behaviour or disposition). Unlike the study of physical objects such as trees or planets, the study of learning therefore needs to start from a conception of good or desirable learning. This becomes even more important when the cultural approach is utilised for the improvement of educational processes and practices. It is argued that in such cases we need to move from the notion of learning cultures to the notion of educational cultures. An educational culture is defined as a learning culture that is framed by particular purposes. A cultural approach therefore not only provides new ways for educational research and educational improvement, but also highlights that both research and improvement can only proceed on the basis of judgements about what counts as good or desirable learning.
Descriptors: Learning Theories, Educational Research, Educational Improvement, Learning Processes, Value Judgment, Educational Environment, Educational Practices, Early Childhood Education, Education
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A