Women’s Learning process and Self-Construction：A Case Study on the Learning Circle of “ Homemaker’s Union and Foundation.”

• Main Authors: I-Hsing Kuo, 郭怡欣
• Other Authors: Ying Lee
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2006
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/91828247471984405818

碩士 === 國立暨南國際大學 === 成人與繼續教育研究所 === 94 === The main concern of the study focused on women’s learning and self-construction in Learning Circles. The purpose of this study included those respects: 1) to understand women’s motivation in participation of Learning Circle； 2) to explore the characteristics of Learning Circle；3) to discuss women’s learning traits in Learning Circle; 4) to inquire the transformation of women’s self-construction in Learning Circle. A case study was designed with participatory observation, in-depth interview, and relevant documents collection to know women’s inner experience which was interwoven with contextual factors. The Learning Circle of “Homemaker’s Union and Foundation” was selected and ten members were interviewed. The main findings of the study were as follows: 1. The main motives of women’s participation in Learning Circle were personal hobby in reading, the curiosity in Learning Circle, the desire of expanding their life circle, the invitation of relatives and friends, and learning together with children. 2. A democratic and autonomous circumstance was the most noticeable characteristic of Learning Circle. 3. Women’s learning traits in Learning Circle included: a) from “individual learning” to “collaborative learning” b) autonomous, active and participant learning c) supportive and connected learning. 4. Transformation of women’s self-construction: Collaborative and dialogical learning in Learning Circle helped women to self-reflection, their subjective experience consciousness, and their vision horizon expansion. 5. Transformation of women’s self-construction became apparent by their practices in private and public spheres. 1) The transformation in private sphere included: personal growth, improvement of parent-children relationship, and women’s consciousness- raising. 2) The transformation in public sphere included: concern about public issues, and promotion of environmental protection in different social contexts. Based on the findings, some suggestions for the development of Learning Circle in civil organizations, women’s learning programs, and future researches were recommended.