Impact of new forms of learning in interest-driven communities to future pathways for youth

Abstract

Purpose This paper demonstrates the impact of recognition and valuation of youth interest on potential career trajectory and future pathway choices. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents data from two ethnographies. The first ethnography is of an online professional wrestling fan community, which took place between October 2012 and May 2013. The second ethnography is of the online Scratch community, Scratch is a free online coding program. Observations of the community took place between October 2014 and October 2015, with interviews ongoing as of the writing of this paper. Findings This paper details the importance of valuing youth learning and the impact that receiving recognition and valuation can have on youths’ future choices. Research limitations/implications This research focuses on two online communities and presents four examples of the phenomena of valuation and recognition described in the paper. To draw broad conclusions, a wider sample would be required. Practical implications This paper can offer examples to practitioners and researcher alike as to what the impacts of valuing youth learning in interest-driven contexts can be for youth long-term learning and career trajectory and forms that the valuation of interest to support growth and interest can take. Originality/value The paper demonstrates the importance of valuing learning in all parts of youths’ lives and the impact that the valuation can have on the future pathways and career trajectory of youth.