THE ENTHUSIAST AS LEARNER: A CASE STUDY
THE ENTHUSIAST AS LEARNER: A CASE STUDY

Author(s): Aleksandra Litawa
Subject(s): Pedagogy
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: passion; enthusiast; passion-inspired learning; enthusiast as learner
Summary/Abstract: The easiest way to recognise an enthusiast is that they talk about their object of interest with a twinkle in their eye. The space occupied by this passion is their own individual world of values where, free from the outside world’s pressures, they have the opportunity not only to focus attention on issues that are important to them, but above all to think and act in a way that is optimal. The aim of the present research was to recognise the attributes of the enthusiast as learner. A qualitative strategy was adopted in the research and a single case study was used. Data was collected using an in-depth, semi-structured interview technique with a self-taught artist who loved painting on tree bark. The analysis of the interview provided insight into features characterising the enthusiast as learner. Attributes distinguished, i.e. curiosity, deep engagement and high motivation, determined each other. Importantly, they initiated the emergence of other, positive and desirable features from the perspective of learning, such as readiness to apply effort, perseverance and determination to achieve goals, courage and creativity in solving problems, belief in the rightness of actions undertaken, self-confidence, effectiveness and the pursuit of mastery.

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