Die innere Seite des Lernens einholen. Methodologische Überlegungen zur Erforschung lebenslangen Lernens

Exploring the inner aspect of learning. Methodological considerations for investigating life-long learning This article sets out research methods required for qualitative research aimed at understanding the inner aspect of learning. The aim is to make qualitative single case studies more relevant with regard to issues of education policy and social analysis. For this purpose , the following measures are proposed. (1) Close reading and reflexivity: Precisely studying the source texts sheds light upon divisions between o fficial and unofficial discourse on life-long learning, revealing the relevant personal ele ments which have a crucial effect on learning. (2) L ongitudinal and cross- cultural analyses: sing le case data need to be investigated mor e in historical o r intercultural con texts, requiring a different w ay of dealing with data (opening it up for third-party assessment). (3) Controlled generalisation: generalisations, which are drawn from single case interpretations, should have an exactly defined scope and are primarily to be justified, not simply maintained.