Novel Spaces as Catalysts for Change: Transformative Learning through Transnational Projects

Helen Caldwell*, Emma Whewell, Amy West, Helen Tiplady

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose
This paper discusses data related to the final phase of a six-year project entitled, Digital Learning Across Boundaries (DLAB): Developing Changemakers. It explores university students’ growing perceptions of themselves as changemakers as they experience novel physical and digital spaces, drawing upon on the reflections of seven undergraduate education students from England who joined students from five European countries in the final year of the project.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a critical ethnography methodology, this paper embraced reflexivity and immersion in the participants’ experiences. Verbal and written reflections were collated and analysed through inductive coding.

Findings
Results suggest that the multidimensional and multidisciplinary elements of the project led to transformative learning. Transformative change was experienced as students encountered a series of novel spaces and resolved disorientations that arose within them through collective interaction and personal reflection.

Originality
This paper contributes to the field of education by suggesting that educators value the intersection of learning experiences when planning transnational projects and consider the role of cumulative disorientations, multifaceted novel spaces and critical discourse in catalysing personal growth.
Original languageEnglish
Article number954
Number of pages16
JournalEducation Sciences
Volume14
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 Aug 2024

Bibliographical note

The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Ethics Committee of The University of Northampton (October 2022) for studies involving humans

Data Access Statement

All data underpinning this publication are openly available from the University of Northampton Research Explorer at http://doi.org/10.24339/131e6bf5-ace6-4bae-82db-bf61b30e2331 (accessed on 29 August 2024)

Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study

Keywords

  • Transformative learning
  • Changemaking
  • Intercultural competence
  • Digital learning
  • Learning spaces
  • Student identity
  • Self-efficacy
  • Student confidence
  • Collaboration

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