Dialogues in widening participation: Transitions to professional qualification and the importance of self-directed learning

Cooper, Barry and Pickering, Maggie (2008). Dialogues in widening participation: Transitions to professional qualification and the importance of self-directed learning. Transformative Dialogues: Teaching and Learning Journal, 1(3)

URL: http://kwantlen.ca/TD/TD.1.3/TD.1.3_Cooper&Pickeri...

Abstract

This paper explores some of the research processes and outcomes that emerged from the first stage of investigation into a widening participation initiative for professional training into social work in the UK. Programme evaluation is a complex and multifaceted undertaking that often highlights the research dilemmas of 'methods and mess'. The journey from planned structure to messy real-life realities and back to re-focused intervention and dialogue can be both a frustrating and a rewarding aspect of research into educational experiences. In this example, the progressive refinement of aims led to the re-discovery of Personal Construct Psychology as an empowering and dialogic method par excellence.

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