English publication in preparation
- Theunissen, N.C.M., Bloeme, D.B.A., Corbalan, G., van de Plas, A., (Submitted). Ecology of Learning Framework (ELF): guidance for multi-level interventions for learning using Social Ecological Theory.
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Abstract
The learning of individuals is influenced by the context in which they operate and learn. Therefore, when planning interventions for learning, preferably, the whole ecology of learning should be addressed, which includes micro (individual), meso (organizational) and macro (society) levels. This paper describes the development and evaluation of a framework to guide multi-level interventions for learning, based on social ecological models. First, a systematic literature review is performed (using Ovid PsycINFO, educational database ERIC, and Scopus) to investigate the current state of knowledge regarding multi-level interventions on the micro-, meso- and macro-level for learning. Special attention is given to models and frameworks for multi-level integration. Next, a new framework is proposed, the Ecology of Learning Framework (ELF), which is based on the application of Social Ecological Theory. The framework provides an analysis method for multi-level interventions for learning in organizations. A combination of five levels of influence with four intervention-elements form the building blocks of ELF. To research the usefulness of ELF on interventions for learning, it is applied to evaluate the models found in the systematic literature review. Next, two case studies are described in which the framework was used for planning and evaluation purposes respectively. Results indicate that ELF can provide practical guidance for applying theoretical notions of Social Ecological Theory to the practice of interventions for learning.
Keywords
Social Ecological Theory; Multi-level; Interventions; Learning; micro-meso-macro
