Is it possible to educate for capability as a goal, not a by-product, of education? This thesis addresses this research question by presenting a model to support the implementation of a person-centred approach to teaching and learning in post-compulsory humanities education. This is based on a new methodological framework employed within the Project module in the Philosophical Studies programme at Newcastle University. Here, learners apply a project-based, context-driven approach to develop an understanding of conceptual themes set out in lectures within the context of a personal interest (the Project). The model puts the learner at the centre of the process and develops students' knowledge and understanding of course content alongside the development of individual competences; that is, a capacity for learning. The model is based on my own experience of the methodology as a learner and tutor, as well as practical research and delivery. It draws on Problem-Based Learning theory to offer a vocabulary to support dialogue between students and tutors to enhance the learning experience. The model of Project Practices seeks to bridge the gap between the personal and private with the academic and theoretical, by supporting a dual approach to learning. It may be used to enhance the delivery of the context-driven methodology and its effectiveness in supporting skills development alongside knowledge acquisition by acting as a planning and dialogue tool. It may also offer the potential to apply the object-based context driven project methodology in other educational contexts or levels where appropriate. Placed within the context of the growing literature on this subject, this thesis offers one alternative to traditional approaches to teaching and learning which is grounded in and responds to the increasingly complex nature of life and work in the twenty-first century. This model responds to the research objective by integrating a person-centred approach to teaching and learning alongside traditional delivery methods in order to educate for capability. It offers an original model to support person-centred learning alongside traditional delivery methods within Higher Education.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:576648 |
| Date | January 2012 |
| Creators | Church, Dearbhaile Brona |
| Publisher | University of Newcastle Upon Tyne |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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