Experiential Pedagogy in a Lighthouse on a Desert Island
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Date
2014
Authors
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Publisher
Wydawnictwo Naukowe UAM
Title alternative
Empiryczna pedagogika w latarni morskiej położonej na bezludnej wyspie
Abstract
The article is concerned with the social and experiential pedagogic effects of living in a lighthouse on
a small desert island. Using the method of action research, we studied seven adolescents from juvenile
institutions living in a small confined space for the duration of ten days. The main goal was to
study the adolescents within the small confined social system of the island for the purpose of analyzing
the resulting social changes and acquired social skills. Throughout the entire project, we observed
the adolescents’ behaviour, initiative and inventiveness, and taught them certain techniques
and methods of surviving with limited means. Using different activities, we also succeeded in finding
personal resources for empowering the individuals. We developed the group and made individuals
more open to conformation. The socially interactive activities selected strengthened the
group’s cohesion, individual social competences and skills. The results have shown that a short
period of time spent in an intensive group environment within a limited and specific setting can
produce significant changes in an individual. The individuals gained valuable life experiences.
Certain transferral discrepancies might represent obstacles, which is why we expect that prolonging
the stay on the island would lead to even more pronounced changes and noticeable results upon
returning home as well.
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Keywords
experiential pedagogy, children and adolescents with behavioural and emotional problems, island, action research
Citation
Studia Edukacyjne, nr 30, 2014, s. 303-320
ISBN
978-83-232-2756-4