Learning by Leaving – Towards a Pedagogy for Transnational Mobility in the Context of Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Abstract

VET research community. Practices 'out there' are based on assumptions and have seldom been underpinned by research, and no adequate theories have been developed to give a general sense of direction and coherence to the field. This article presents the main conclusions of research undertaken to 'capture' this new and largely uncharted area. For this purpose, a three-pronged approach has been adopted. The first consists in delineating its contours through the collection and analysis of empirical data. The second is a conceptual exercise, trying to construct an adequate theoretical framework, mainly by combining and adapting theories from neighbouring fields. The final line of the work has as its aim, by combining the outcomes from the first and second phases, to try and trace pathways towards a proper pedagogy for the activity of 'transnational mobility' in a VET context. Due to the complexity of the field and the paucity of prior research and development activities, much of the exercise has been a heuristic one, with empirical and theoretical work undertaken concurrently. The overriding aim has been to identify and capture strategic points, leaving behind many pockets of resistance for a later stage. The research started in 1999 and is ongoing. The term 'transnational mobility' has been used throughout the article to describe a phenomenon which is, basically, a period of work experience (or workbased learning) undertaken in another country. The term 'transnational' is not wholly satisfactory, since it may be said to represent a piece of political wishful thinking rather than being a neutral descriptor of the activity. The term indicates the creation of a space that lies over and beyond the confines of individual nations or Member States and is truly 'European' in a sense that is yet to be achieved. Likewise with the term 'mobility' which denotes an ability (namely the ability to be mobile, which carries positive connotations) rather than the actual movement itself. Through its use in European Commission contexts, the term has gained