Abstract
In this paper, we analyzed the descriptions of learning provided by 234 College of Education students from Finland and Canada and compared them with Whitehead’s (1932/1962) epistemological theory of the rhythm of mental growth. The students were asked to “Give a concrete example of a situation in which you really learned something.” The descriptions of learning provided by the students were analyzed using a constant comparative method. This analysis resulted in the identification of six primary aspects of learning: emotional significance, reflection, differing perspectives, collaboration, autonomy, and dialogue. When examined in the context of student descriptions, the aspects of learning seemed to occur in rhythmic patterns. These findings led us to conclude that Whitehead’s theory of mental growth has merit and could inform new theories of learning that take into account human aesthetic experience.
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Soini, H., Flynn, M. Emotion and Rhythm in Critical Learning Incidents. Interchange 36, 73–83 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10780-005-2342-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10780-005-2342-2