Lithuanian Educators' Experiences of Norwegian Early Childhood Education and Care during a Short Study Trip

Alicja R. Sadownik, Dziuginta Baraldsnes, Solveig Kalgraf
2017 Universal Journal of Educational Research  
This paper presents an analysis of how educators from Lithuania experienced the Norwegian ECEC during a short study trip. The research results are informed by the theory of Practice Architecture [7, 8] that describes educational practices using the concepts of sayings, doings, and relatings. Sayings refer to the discursive level, doings to the level of action and work, and relatings to sociopolitical dependencies. The research was conducted during a two-day study trip of Lithuanian educators to
more » ... Bergen in June 2016. The data comprised seven semi-structured, written interviews and a transcribed group discussion with seven participants. The results show that the doings experienced were strongly dependent on the transmitted sayings, which places great power in the process of framing the educational content of the study trip (lectures, presentations, and seminars). On the other hand, the experiences of the study trip were strongly dependent on the sayings, doings, and relatings that the visitors are socialized and educated with. They frame perceptions and can lead to misunderstandings. The doings and relatings experienced that agreed with the sayings, but which did not necessarily correspond to other dimensions of Lithuanian practice, led to deep reflection and even changes in institutions in the home country.
doi:10.13189/ujer.2017.051212 fatcat:choqorogtfh25aaqxoq5ahp2ba