From non-formal to transformative learning in the EU youth programmes

Page 1

130

Y O U T H

W O R K

A N D

N O N - F O R M A L

L E A R N I N G

I

F rom non-formal to transformative learning in the EU youth programmes: unleashing the potential of entrepreneurial learning in youth work

Juan Ratto-Nielsen

Introduction: experience and reflection This article draws on personal experience and a review of learning approaches to enquire into the transformative potential of entrepreneurial learning (EL) within youth work. Critical experiences or incidents that challenge our perception of reality and lead to a shift in our system of beliefs are crucial to understand the developmental process behind EL. Taking a personal example, some years ago during a training course on youth initiatives within the Youth in Action programme, we invited a group of young people to present their project experience. They delivered a flawless presentation of the project life cycle and in the end introduced the final outcome of the project: a book. Afterwards, we had a short debriefing session with questions and answers. The $64 000 question to the presenters came from me: ‘What have you learnt?’ Their learning outcomes and process were not addressed during the presentation and remained unclear. According to the Youth in Action programme, participation in a youth initiative is an important non-formal learning (NFL) experience, and principles and practice are reflected throughout the project (1). We cannot deny that learning happened, although the entire project was result-oriented towards one main goal: the book. There was change; perhaps they acquired new skills (copy-editing, word processing, etc.), knowledge (grammar, translation, intercultural communication, etc.) and even new attitudes (intercultural awareness, flexibility, etc.), but transformation did not happen because there was no


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.