Learning Situations within an Informal Context: Case Study (Ethnology and Folklore Course)
Abstract The informal framework could be identified as an accompanying tool to be used for the higher-level education, in particular when it comes to specific disciplines that, on account of subject matter and technique, entail a pragmatic side at the same time. One case specific case refers to the discipline Ethnology and Folklore, included in the syllabus of the first-year students in Philology. Handling the pedagogic activity based on proficiencies clearly highlights the practical dimension of study, the usefulness of the benefits of study for individuals and community. This is the reason why it appears helpful to produce/confront/generate the benefits of learning in an informal framework away from the formal context provided by the academic environment and the course proper that would represent additional configurations to provide in order to acquire information on substance and proficiencies. Pragmatic aspects are also underlined for the importance of the practical course, such as possible future work places or extracurricular activities to museums, expositions etc. Against this background, the concept of a partnership between the university and the Association TRADITION GROUP, that was founded in 2005 and deals with durable social, cultural/artistic and tourist advancement of the rustic settlements and horizontal groups in the Alba County appeared to be a manner of enhancing the capacity of students to attain knowledge about the folk culture in substance and intellectually as well. The essay departs from an abstract standpoint represented by the specialized literature and continues with illustrating the practical activities conducted during discussion groups that were organised alongside the lecture on Ethnology and Folklore throughout a six-month term. We detail some examples of activities with a complex character, without underlining the concentric principle of the entire process.