The difficult connection between theory and practice in social pedagogyJan Storø, Sligo 24. May 2012

Theory practice

Relationship

Individual

Personal development

Engagement

Activities

Upbringing

Marginalization

Inclusion

Living conditions

Groups

Society

Research

What is social pedagogy ?

?

??

What can do?

• Focus on children and young people

• Combine different theories• Give alternative goals for

practice• Give concepetional tools

A crisis?

A crisis in the relationship between theory and practice in social pedagogy?

Explanation theory

Action theory

A crisis in our the education of workers, and how we understand and use theory/practice duality?

Are theory and practice closer linked that we often think of them?

Are theory and practice the same? (Karen VanderVen 2009)

….reflection…..

Systematic reflection

Guided by theory and values

Values Values

Theory Methods

ActionAction

Not trained Trained

Theory and theory … and practice

Practicing social pedagogy can be understood as a collective term for pedagogically-oriented practices based on a professional assessment and carried out in ordinary, everyday situations. These are directed towards children and young people who need help, or to situations where the need for help can be prevented, and towards their families, networks and immediate environment. The main aim of the work is inclusion in a community. Interventions are guided by values and theory.

Theory and theory … and practice

Practicing social pedagogy can be understood as a collective term for pedagogically-oriented practices based on a professional assessment and carried out in ordinary, everyday situations. These are directed towards children and young people who need help, or to situations where the need for help can be prevented, and towards their families, networks and immediate environment. The main aim of the work is inclusion in a community. Interventions are guided by values and theory.

Ordinary and

specific

Reflection, theory, perspectives

Reflection-on-action (Schön)

Theorizing

Perspectives

Perspectivate

Eclecticism

What is useful?

Reflections should be made useful for practice

Culture of repetition

Culture of reflection

Thank you for your

attention