Learning environment innovation at the first stages of compulsory education

Abstract

This paper explores the concept of learning environment, as it has been developed within the socio-constructivist paradigm of education. The OECD project Innovative learning environments is then illustrated and used as an introduction to a research design conducted within the frame of a PhD course at the Department of Education “G.M. Bertin” of the University of Bologna. The aim of the research is to investigate the innovation in terms of school organization, both in primary and middle school. The idea standing
at the basis of this research is that by exploring the interpretation of the actors of an innovation from a bottom-up perspective, it is possible to develop important reflections in favour of scholastic institutions’ change and reform.
The empirical materials have been collected through the survey of school’s paperwork, thanks to a focus group and also by undertaking a set of interviews.
Data are interpreted through phenomenographical analysis. Some
preliminary results of the case study are presented.