BALU – Belief Revision through Autonomous Learning in Ugandan School Children

Project Description

The BALU project examines the effect of self-directed learning — where the learner has some degree of autonomy over the learning process — in a setting where socialisation is less focused on autonomy than in Western cultural contexts. Previous research from Europe and North America has shown that self-direction supports learning in Western children, but it remains unclear to what extent this effect is universal. BALU will investigate the benefit of self-directed learning on children’s understanding of scientific concepts in Ugandan primary school students. Uganda presents a particularly relevant context for this research, as child-rearing and educational practices prioritise social relatedness over individual autonomy. These differences may shape how Ugandan learners engage with self-directed learning compared to their Western peers. 

Project Objectives

The goal of the project is to broaden the understanding of the cultural variability of learning mechanisms. The findings will contribute to the development of educational approaches that are more responsive to diverse sociocultural contexts.

Funding

Project Management

Project Team

Project Details