Education at the frontier between tradition and innovation: challenges of an international initiative in breaking through

Front Sociol. 2024 Nov 22:9:1393051. doi: 10.3389/fsoc.2024.1393051. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

In a rapidly evolving global landscape, education stands as a linchpin for navigating complex challenges and fostering sustainable development. This article delves into the transformative potential of education, with a particular focus on insights gleaned from the KIDS4ALLL project. Rooted in contrasting perspectives of education, the study emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift toward fostering critical thinking, creativity, and inclusivity. The European Commission's commitment to transformative education finds expression in initiatives like KIDS4ALLL, which harnesses digital platforms to prioritize peer learning and bridge divides. Through an exploration of reactions within Turkish schools to the project's introduction, this study sheds light on the dynamics of change and resistance, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities towards educational transformation. Drawing on empirical data from the project's pilot phase, the study identifies key factors shaping the realization of educational change. By elucidating these factors, the article contributes to a nuanced understanding of transformative education, paving the way for informed strategies aimed at fostering inclusive, sustainable, and impactful educational practices on a global scale.

Keywords: Turkish school system; e-learning platform; educational design; learning environment; lifelong learning; migrant students; peer-learning; transformative education.

Grants and funding

The authors declare that financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. The research discussed in this article was made possible through funding provided by the European Commission, “KIDS4ALLL -Key Inclusive Development Strategies for LifeLongLearning,” under Grant agreement ID: 101004807, covering the period from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2024.