Differing colours of professional learning
Year: 2003
Type: article
Abstract: The question we try to answer in this paper is whether we can develop a learning language (define colours of learning) that fulfil similar functions as the colours of change devised by de Caluwé and Vermaak. A conceptual system of five learning colours (five metaphors of learning) will be proposed. Metaphors of learning as defined for instance by Sfard are included in the system. Apart from her acquisition (blue) and participation (red) metaphor, three other metaphors are proposed: the meaning construction metaphor (white), the copying- the-art metaphor (yellow) and the experimentation metaphor (green). The blue colour of learning refers to transmission and acquisition. The yellow colour of learning focuses on observation and imitation. Red is the colour of participation and communication. The white learning theory emphasizes knowledge construction and understanding. Finally, the green theory is about experimentation and reflection. A questionnaire was devised consisting of ten components of learning ‘laden’* * on the five metaphors. Subjects for a pilot were 905 teachers, educational managers and support people attending a conference. Results pertain to the reliability and validity of the five learning colour scales. Some relations were found with function in the educational system, age, experience and educational level.
Authors: P.R.J. Simons, M.C.P. Ruijters
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1568277648