Acceptance of the key concepts, values and consolidated practice of non-formal learningCompetence model articlesDesigning Educational ProgrammesDeveloping an educational approach based on the principles and values of non-formal learningIs comfortable with addressing and applying the principles of non-formal learning

Social transformation for training design

Why social transformation is important in training design?

One definition of social transformation is the process by which an individual alters the socially ascribed social status of their parents into a socially achieved status for themselves. However, another definition refers to large scale social change as in cultural reforms or transformations. Non Formal learning induces changes and advocates for transformation.

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It has been suggested that the educational system highlights changes in society due to the fact that it is society which sets these norms and values which are reproduced in the educational institution. Society attempts to reproduce common values, norms and beliefs through the form of education.

Yet as we are aware in contemporary society, education has taken many different forms- from formal to non-formal it is the belief that in today’s changing society, regardless of ages, gender or ethnicity, regardless of social class there is a type of education which credits you with desirable skills for future employees.

In the analysis of the relationship between education and social change, the question is: how does education lead to social change? In association be­tween education and modernisation, the main question is: what kind of education and under what conditions will it generate and strengthen the process of modernisation in a society? How much training can provide opportunities to social transformation in the specific area of Non-Formal Learning?

Dewey (2012) asserts that social change occurs when there are structural transformations of socio-economic, political, family, religious and educational institutions, hence leading to a more equitable and just society. In many countries as for example in South America, Non formal Learning was playing directly and clearly this role that Dewey is representing here. The nexus between non-formal education (NFE) and social change is one which has attracted attention and interest of scholars. Another line of argument of social change is the conscientization model by Paulo Freire (1985). Freire (1985) contended that humans are the centre of any developmental process and, therefore, human resource development should be central in this process. For instance, NFEs should eradicate poverty and disease, promote a high level of literacy and foster political action among citizens and communities.

Social change, so, is part of the basic values of Non Formal Education and has very powerful and important impact on community development.

Exercises / how to apply it in everyday work

In your training methodology, social transformation is:

Define how you understand social transforming your training design.

For each of those definitions, now define why it is like this (depending by context, your approach, your target group?

Does social transformation approach always possible in design training? Which are the challenges?

Reflection Questions

  • How much is important in your profession to be aware about your approach?
  • How do you design your training? Do you keep in mind which approach you’ll use?
  • Do you think that it is always possible to have a participatory approach?
Federica Demicheli

Federica Demicheli

A training focusing on participation as methodology (not only as topic) is based on a certain value premise that believes in the empowerment of all the learners and supporting the equal participation of the ones with fewer opportunities or in situations of disatatage (temporary or long term). The focus of participatory training is not just about ‘knowing more’ but about…

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Source
eric.ed.gov

Demicheli Federica

Master in Intercultural Mediation, trainer and researcher for Erasmus + National Agencies, GIZ and other international institutions about Intercultural Learning,Youth work and Youth Policies and Community Development. She is part of the pool of trainers about Recognition of non-formal education “Recognise it” of the German National Agency Erasmus + and Salto EuroMed RC and she coordinated the Conference on the recognition of non-formal education in 2018 in Naples. Member of the working group of the “Time of Show Off” publication on the role and methodologies of youth work and non-formal education. Initiator of the online professionals discussion group in Italy on “Youth work in Codiv crise”. Founder of the association “NINFEA” for the recognition of youth work in Italy. Professional Youth worker and expert in Youth Policy at National and European Level (author of the Youth Wiki page for Italy).

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