Alternative Learning Experiences: Co-creation of knowledge in new contexts

Abstract

This paper discusses learning processes when students are doing fieldwork for ‘real-life’ tasks set by an external stakeholder. We find inspiration in Kolb’s learning Circle (1984; 2014) and draw on literature, which develops arguments based on experiential learning (Dewey 1938). When students are learning outside the classroom the notion of ‘context’ is crucial, in this case, we brought learning processes to a small town in Cuba. We draw from a case with a group of students going to the field and unfold how their learning process is inspired by the field, setting the field, and how learning is a process where students gradually break free from classroom thinking. Furthermore, students start to develop their own research process, inspired by the context in which they are situated. We use Kolb’s Learning Circle to discuss peer learning and shared learning and co-creation of knowledge by arguing that learning is not only an individual process. We argue that deep, and shared, learning is reached collectively and in collaboration with peers. Thus, learning builds on practice by students’ cooperation and responsibility for their own learning process through Problem-based Learning (PBL). This leaves instructors with an additional role; not only as facilitators but as resource persons.