Metaphors we learn by: practitioners’ conceptions of the meaning of nonformal learning in Estonian context
Keywords:
nonformal learning, life-long learning, adult education, educational metaphor, metaphor analysisAbstract
Non-formal education is the central standpoint and practice of lifelong learning. The aim
of the article is to demonstrate the possibilities of construing the meaning of non-formal
education through practitioners’ conceptions in Estonia. At the same time, we show how
non-formal education practice can enrich other types of education and how these
principles may be more widely applied in formal education as well. The current research
based on metaphor analysis draws on the materials collected in focus group interviews
with practitioners (n=17). Analysis revealed that practitioners describe non-formal
education as a cooperational journey of discovery which requires effort, concentrates on
development and is related to emotions, play and creativity. At the same time, non-formal
education is defined through metaphors of cultural symbols and open space. The diverse
opportunities of non-formal education create the basis for choices and tolerance to
differences, whereas the emergence of border area metaphors confirms the deep rooted
idea that non-formal education’s place lies in between different types of education.
Metrics
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