Practice of praxis

Abstract

AbstractThe practice of praxis involves engaging in learning with an active awareness of the developmental process as it occurs. Although self-regulation assists in self-directed learning, heutagogy and engaging with praxis are not independent of collaboration and connection with others. Beside the strategic mental and physical aspects of learning, a person's affective states and processes impact their engagement and achievement. Outside the formal framework of education, finding a way to support learning through collective engagement can be a challenge. This study explores an experimental community-based innovation to facilitate deep learning in an informal setting amongst a diverse group of creative adults. An online platform, YapNet, was created to address the gap for people to engage with praxis through a self-directed, interdisciplinary network that encouraged deep learning through critical, respectful feedback. Individuals shared incomplete professional work in progress on the platform, noticed and responded to one another through dialogic commentary. The benefits of this engagement are demonstrated through case studies, of a musician and of a writer. The learning demonstrated by these professionals is discussed and the core principles of YapNet are outlined for transferable use in other social and professional settings.