WHAT STUDENTS IN PRESCHOOL AND PRIMARY EDUCATION THINK ABOUT LEARNING TO LEARN?!

Abstract

Quality of Learning and Lifelong Learning remain a necessity for society, for each individual and a challenge for all teachers. The quality of education depends on the level of development and harmonization of general competencies and transversal competences. From the eight Key Competences, common to many occupations (approved by CNFPA Resolution No. 86/24.06.2008 and recognized at European Level) „learning to learn" competence is central for this study. The research is part of the observational phase of a larger study on the development and counselling of „learning to learn" competence in the Romanian University System.

This research in the Romanian space joins the European trend where, since 2008 the EU Council Report has encouraged the development of indicators and the development of research of „learning to learn "competence.

The objectives of this qualitative research are: to identify the dimensions of "learning to learn" competence from the perspective of students in Preschool and Primary Education from the current Romanian Education System, to assess students' perception upon the place and role of "learning to learn" competence and to emphasis successful ways/strategies in strengthening and developing "learning to learn". In order to achieve the objectives for this research we have used Focus Group method applied to three groups of students.

The results show that most students place this competence in the first place or at least in top three of the Key Competences. They also are able to name the dimensions of learning to learn as the speciality literature describes. The strategies indicated for developing and counselling learning to learn are a valuable guide for teachers.