Research

Life Place Learning (LPL) is a European project. Its main aim being the systematization and accreditation of the knowledge gained within the informal frameworks of a person’s life. Five European universities are involved in the project, Mondragon University being one of them (Dr Monika Madinabeitia and Dr Maria Pilar Sagasta are the representatives of our university). The rest of the participants are formed by Tartu University (Estonia), University of Jyväskylä (Finland), Glasgow Caledonian University (Great Britain) and the University of Wismar (Germany).

What is LPL project about?

Lifelearn aims to capture the potential of the community and home environments as rich sites and sources of learning. By systematising informal learning to be compatible with the formal learning frameworks of tertiary education, Lifeplace Learning (LPL) will provide enhanced opportunities for adult learners to recognise knowledge gained in a wide variety of professional, leisure and community contexts. Therefore, the project’s effort is directed to the development of the necessary mechanisms and strategies directed to the formalization of that informal knowledge.

Lifelearn will build on the established practices of work based learning (WBL) where learners negotiate learning outcomes derived from their work role, complemented by directed learning and/or research, so that the outcomes are placed in a recognisably academic context. Lifelearn will extend these procedures to implement, assess and quality assure learning that occurs from a person's wider life role. Existing WBL/LPL practice will be reviewed to develop guidance material for practitioners and learners.

In order to do so, partners will develop LPL approaches (modules, programmes and courses) in their own institutions, enrol adult learners and work collaboratively to evaluate the impact on the adult learner experience, the tutor experience and the sustainability aspects of the concept. These will be documented and disseminated as case studies. The roles of ICT and other media based resources will also be evaluated as will the student support mechanisms such as mentoring, facilitation and coaching. Lifelearn’s dissemination role will promote the status and recognition of LPL across Europe.