#master's dissertation

[crankysapphic]

me to academia if i get an A on my thesis:

We can plant a memory garden

Say a solemn prayer, place a poppy in my hair

There's no morning glory, it was war, it wasn't fair

And we will never go back

To that bloodshed, crimson clover

The worst was over

My hand was the one you reached for

All throughout the Great War

Always remember

We're burned for better

I vowed I would always be yours

'Cause we survived the Great War

[trc-magazine]

Redefining Education:

"A Guide to Transformative and Purposeful Learning"

curriculum studio

I.I JUSTIFICATION: "Education is life itself."

– John Dewey (1916)

Education is not a fixed institution—it is a living, evolving force that adapts alongside human progress. Dewey (1916) argued that education must be responsive to the needs of society, functioning as a tool for both personal and social evolution. If education remains static while society advances, it fails to equip learners with the necessary tools for survival in a changing world.

"Education must always be a site of transformation"

Education has never been stagnant. Throughout history, we have seen its transformative nature:

Ancient Civilizations: Knowledge was shared through symbols, paintings, and oral traditions, embedding cultural values into learning.

Industrial Era: Education was mechanized to prepare individuals for specialized labor roles, reinforcing rigid structures in learning.

Colonial Education Systems: Designed to control populations, shaping narratives that erased indigenous knowledge and histories.

Modern Globalized Education: A vehicle for global connectivity, enabling knowledge-sharing across cultures through digital learning and intercultural exchanges.

As Paulo Freire (1996) critiques in Pedagogy of the Oppressed, traditional education functions as a "banking model," where students are seen as passive recipients rather than active participants in learning. This mechanized transfer of knowledge prevents true intellectual growth. In a globalized world, this rigidity is no longer sustainable.

Education must become a site of transformation, where students are encouraged to think critically, engage ethically, and develop values that contribute to their societies.

Education as a Social Process

Education does not exist in isolation. It is fundamentally a social process (Vygotsky, 1978), where learning happens through dialogue, interaction, and cultural exchange. This is why Transformative Education must go beyond content delivery—it must foster:

Cultural Appreciation – Integrating art, music, and history to develop a sense of identity.

Ethical Reasoning – Encouraging students to navigate moral dilemmas and develop personal integrity.

Emotional Intelligence – Developing self-awareness and social skills for better interpersonal relationships.

When values and ethics are woven into education, students develop a strong sense of purpose and responsibility, both to themselves and their communities.

Transformative Education in Action

Projecto Guri, Brazil

This initiative provides free music education to at-risk children and teenagers, emphasizing collective music learning and performance.

Impact:

Social Inclusion – Students engage in a shared creative process, reducing social isolation.

Cultural Diversity – By embracing various musical traditions, students develop cultural appreciation.

Personal Growth – Studies show increased self-esteem, improved social interactions, and clearer future aspirations.

By learning an instrument, students gain discipline, teamwork, and a sense of belonging, proving that education is not just about academic knowledge—it is about identity formation and life skills.

Soka School System, Japan

This system prioritizes value-creative education—a philosophy aimed at developing students’ inner happiness and social responsibility.

Findings:

Traditional Japanese education places less emphasis on self-expression and social relationships. A comparative study across nine countries found that only 35% of Japanese students felt comfortable expressing their ideas openly in school—the lowest among the nations surveyed.

Soka School System Approach:

Emphasizing character development alongside academic learning.

Encouraging students to find personal meaning in education.

Cultivating emotional intelligence, self-confidence, and ethical decision-making.

Graduates from Soka schools often enter society not just as high-achieving individuals but as socially responsible and purpose-driven citizens.

The Future of Education

As Amartya Sen (1999) argues, education must be forward-thinking, preparing individuals to thrive in an evolving world rather than simply meeting outdated employment needs.

Modern education systems must:

Move beyond standardized testing toward competency-based learning.

Encourage project-based education that connects learning with real-world challenges.

Design classrooms that prioritize ethics, self-awareness, and adaptability.

If we continue applying rigid, test-driven 20th-century education to a 21st-century globalized society, we are limiting both individual potential and national development.

"Education is transformative by nature—and so, it must transform itself."

Here we argue that Transformative Education is not merely a pedagogical trend but a critical necessity. It is a response to the limitations of traditional education, which often reduces learning to rote memorization rather than fostering adaptability, creativity, and ethical reasoning. It aims to explore how we can bridge the gap between theory and practice, bringing Transformative Education into classrooms worldwide.

______

📚 Further Reading & Resources

If you're interested in diving deeper into the concepts discussed, here are some recommended books and academic resources:

Pedagogy of the Oppressed – Paulo Freire (1996) 📖

Democracy and Education – John Dewey (1916) 🏛️

Education for Critical Consciousness – Paulo Freire (1974) 🔎

Creating Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will Change the World – Tony Wagner (2012) 🚀

The Capability Approach and Education – Melanie Walker & Elaine Unterhalter (2007) 🌍

📌 Note

This blog post is an adapted version of a work-in-progress master's dissertation on Transformative Education. The full dissertation will explore in depth: ✔️ Theoretical foundations of transformative education. ✔️ Case studies demonstrating its impact in real-world classrooms. ✔️ Practical frameworks for integrating transformative education into different learning environments. The next article will focus on the objectives and significance of the study, outlining its academic contributions, practical implications, and relevance to contemporary education. Stay tuned for more insights!

[aquietplacetostudy]

days of october 🍂

aka coffee, daily walks and never-ending thesis work

[salvadorbonaparte]

Thesis Finished 🎉

[equinesandeducation]

Finishing the first draft of my thesis in between packing for volunteering at the world championships Icelandic horses in Oirschot! Stella helping, like always 😌

[yeonban]

Sowwy for being MIA these days guys, it's really one thing after another for me irl 💕 I SHOULD be a bit freer starting in July though, but until then... erm! ADJSDHASGDSAJ

[trc-magazine]

Discover Your Learning Style: A Personality Test for Purpose-Driven Education

Curriculum Studio

Introduction: Learning About Learning (and Ourselves!)

I have always been an intensely introspective person. Some might call it selfish, maybe even egocentric, but I like to think of it as curiosity—because what subject could be more fascinating than oneself? Understanding how I think, react, and absorb information has been a lifelong guilty pleasure. One way I indulge in this curiosity? Personality tests! Those little quizzes scattered across the internet, from “Which historical figure are you?” to “What kind of bread matches your vibe?”—I’ve probably done them all.

But what if we applied this same fun approach to learning itself? What if, instead of struggling through education with a one-size-fits-all method, we took the time to understand how we individually process information? This personality test is designed to do just that.

By the end, you’ll know your dominant learning style and receive personalized recommendations to make your learning journey smoother, more enjoyable, and—dare I say—fun!

A Quick Look at Learning Styles

Before diving into the test, let’s look at the major learning styles and their origins. The idea that people learn differently has existed for centuries, but one of the most widely recognized models is the VARK model by Neil Fleming (1987). Over time, additional learning styles have been identified, leading to an expanded classification that includes social, solitary, and creative learners.

The 8 Types of Learners

Visual Learners – Learn best through images, diagrams, and mind maps.

Auditory Learners – Absorb information through listening and discussion.

Reading/Writing Learners – Prefer text-based content like books, articles, and note-taking.

Kinesthetic Learners – Learn by doing; hands-on experience is key.

Social Learners – Excel in group discussions and collaborative environments.

Solitary (Intrapersonal) Learners – Prefer independent, self-paced learning.

Logical (Mathematical) Learners – Thrive on patterns, reasoning, and structured thinking.

Creative/Intuitive Learners – Prefer abstract, open-ended exploration and artistic expression.

How This Test Works

This is a simple self-assessment questionnaire with 24 statements. For each, choose:

YES if the statement strongly describes you.

SOMETIMES if it occasionally applies.

NO if it does not apply to you at all.

Each response contributes to a specific learning style. At the end, your dominant learning style(s) will be revealed, along with customized learning strategies tailored to your strengths.

The Learning Style Personality Test

Part 1: How Do You Prefer to Receive Information?

I understand things better when I see diagrams, charts, or mind maps. (Visual)

I remember details best when I hear them explained out loud. (Auditory)

I love reading books, articles, or long explanations. (Reading/Writing)

I grasp concepts faster when I can physically interact with them. (Kinesthetic)

I learn best when I discuss ideas in a group. (Social)

I prefer studying alone, where I can focus without distractions. (Solitary)

I enjoy solving puzzles and seeing patterns in information. (Logical)

I like learning through storytelling, creativity, or open-ended exploration. (Creative)

Part 2: How Do You Process and Retain Information?

When learning, I draw or visualize concepts in my head. (Visual)

I talk to myself or repeat information out loud to remember it. (Auditory)

Taking detailed notes helps me understand topics better. (Reading/Writing)

I learn best by building, touching, or manipulating objects. (Kinesthetic)

I remember things better when I discuss them with others. (Social)

I get the most out of independent research and self-study. (Solitary)

I organize information into categories, steps, or logical sequences. (Logical)

I like to experiment and find unconventional ways to solve problems. (Creative)

Part 3: How Do You Apply Knowledge?

I create visual summaries or use highlighters to organize information. (Visual)

I enjoy listening to podcasts or recorded lectures while learning. (Auditory)

I prefer writing summaries or essays to process what I’ve learned. (Reading/Writing)

I need to physically experience something to truly understand it. (Kinesthetic)

I do best when I can talk through ideas with classmates or colleagues. (Social)

I find myself reflecting and journaling about what I’ve learned. (Solitary)

I enjoy solving logic problems, puzzles, or math-based challenges. (Logical)

I approach learning through art, music, or personal storytelling. (Creative)

Scoring Your Results

YES = 2 points

SOMETIMES = 1 point

NO = 0 points

Add up your scores for each category. The highest score indicates your dominant learning style.

Interpreting Your Results

If you score highest in one category, that’s your primary learning style.

If two or more are close, you likely have a blended learning style.

If your scores are evenly spread, you are an adaptive learner, meaning you can learn in multiple ways.

Understanding Your Learning Style

Visual Learners (Your Strengths & Study Tips)

Use mind maps, diagrams, and color coding.

Watch educational videos instead of just reading.

Summarize information with sketches or visual storytelling.

Auditory Learners (Your Strengths & Study Tips)

Record yourself explaining concepts and listen to them later.

Participate in discussions, debates, and study groups.

Use music or rhymes to memorize key concepts.

Reading/Writing Learners (Your Strengths & Study Tips)

Take detailed notes and organize them into outlines.

Read textbooks, research papers, and write reflections.

Rewrite concepts in your own words to reinforce understanding.

Kinesthetic Learners (Your Strengths & Study Tips)

Engage in hands-on projects or experiments.

Use role-playing or practical applications to solidify concepts.

Take breaks and move around while studying.

Social Learners (Your Strengths & Study Tips)

Join study groups or find a learning partner.

Teach others what you’ve learned to reinforce concepts.

Engage in interactive workshops or group projects.

Solitary Learners (Your Strengths & Study Tips)

Set up a quiet, distraction-free study space.

Self-reflect through journaling and independent research.

Use self-paced courses to learn at your own rhythm.

Logical Learners (Your Strengths & Study Tips)

Organize concepts into charts, lists, and step-by-step sequences.

Solve problems using patterns and structured reasoning.

Break complex topics into cause-and-effect relationships.

Creative Learners (Your Strengths & Study Tips)

Learn through storytelling, metaphors, or visual arts.

Approach subjects with an open-ended, exploratory mindset.

Use brainstorming and creative writing to reinforce ideas.

Final Thoughts: Learning Should Be Fun!

No matter your learning style, the goal is to embrace what works best for you and adapt strategies that make education a purposeful and engaging experience.

My Personal Result & Why It Matters

When I took the test myself, I scored:

6 points for Solitary Learning

4 points each for Creative, Visual, and Reading/Writing Learning

2 points each for Kinesthetic, Logical, and Auditory Learning

And honestly? I agree immensely.

This result shows that learning styles are not strict categories, but rather a spectrum of approaches we shift between depending on the situation. While I thrive in independent learning, I also enjoy visual elements, creative exploration, and writing—and I occasionally benefit from hands-on experiences, structured logic, and auditory learning.

This is why understanding your own learning style is so valuable. Instead of struggling through a method that doesn’t suit you, you can mix and match strategies to make learning more engaging, natural, and effective.

So, what’s your learning style?:)

Comment below and share your thoughts!

____

📌Note

This blog post is an adapted version of a work-in-progress master's dissertation on transformative education. The full dissertation will dive deeper into the theoretical underpinnings, case studies, and frameworks for applying transformative education in real-world classrooms.

Stay tuned for more insights!

[defectivegembrain]

Wow looking at funded PhDs in the humanities is really like. nobody thinks your work is important to society.

[al-mayriti]

Noting that I went to a catholic high school in the midwestern US, I would say that between 30-40% of my classmates followed a life path similar to the following (so not even half, but still a significant amount):

1) Age 18-21: start dating someone in uni

2) Age 22/23: get a job shortly after graduation (or have one already organized, probably from a summer internship while in uni)

3) Age 22-24: get engaged to your uni bf/gf within a year of graduating, once you both have jobs basically

4) Age 23-26: wedding within a year or two of getting engaged, also buy a house if you have that kind of money lol

5) 9 months to 1 year after wedding (so 24-26 generally): baby!

I think it's important to note that this culture is able to continue because many college-educated young USAmericans are able to get a decent job very soon after graduating, which speeds up the rest of the process quite a bit. For people who are not able to get a job quickly, or who choose to do further studies, add on a few years. (And for people who don't go to uni, subtract a few!)

yeah i was gonna say, the only thing i envy of that is the getting a job so early and easy lol. i think that's also the main difference or why people aren't married so early here. in my experience (note that i went to a private upper class school so almost everyone went to university and pretty much everyone is employed right now except me lol)

1) 18-23. uni. a bunch of them were dating before uni, others during, some after, you know how it goes. and also a lot of them didn't date (like me).

2) 23-25. finishing uni, doing a master's degree, and or living abroad (usually to work).

3) 25-26. come back to spain and work here, or finished studying and got a job. they start dating seriously.

4) 26-28. if they've been dating for a while, engagement. if not, they continue the grind. if they live abroad especially which is honestly more than half of my circle rn they won't want to get engaged until they come back or decide to stay in the other country (normally their partner is from there).

5) 28-30. this is the future for me so i'm just speculating, but here is marriage + baby for those who can afford it. keep in mind most of us this age are still living with our parents so. that's another thing to have in mind.

more or less that's the idea here. you first want to have a stable job, then a stable house, and then you can start thinking about proposing and weddings and kids. and that doesn't happen soon.

[doukeshi-kun]

Thesis is killing me in college. I regret taking psychology rn 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

you can do this nonnie 🗣️🔥 put on your big boi pants and psycho tf out of your thesis. write now cry later 👍

[ujunxverse]

gna take some time to response to asks oops sorry :")) i am nOT coming back !! i just logged back in here for funsies !! my ff writing days are OVER !!

[thebackofthelibrary]

What keeps you motivated towards your goals?

Send some inspirations here if you'd like to share tips and tricks to surviving end of semester assignments

[katie-wants-donut]

To my last ever all-nighter.

Never again y'hear me?

[shinybulbasaur]

idk, it really sucks to see lectures on how "anyone can do art if they practice" from people who gleefully say that they hate math/science and that they refuse to go near it. like I'm not saying that everyone has to be good at math, but like, as someone who does both it's really weird and uncomfortable seeing the difference in how people talk about these things. "do it bad" should apply to science fairs just as much as it does to painting

[apaganacademic]

There are plenty of contemporary pagan books out there about the Morrigan, as well as a handful of academic theses, but no books and few academic publications on Badb Catha specifically.

Out of curiosity, is that something folks might be interested in checking out if it did exist?