Criticism of the ‘Learnification’ Paradigm in Higher Education in Gert Biesta’s Works

Abstract

Purpose: This paper presents arguments and contra-arguments related to the dominant ‘learnification’ paradigm in higher education based on Gert Biesta’s selected works.

Study design/methodology/approach: The methodology is a deep and critical analysis of Gert Biesta’s views on the dangers of the widespread ‘learnification’ paradigm in education.

Findings: . The criticism focuses on six areas, namely on (1) purpose of education, (2) learning, (3) teaching, (4) role of the students, (5) role of the teachers, and on (6) curriculum, didactics, and pedagogy.

Originality/value: We believe that our paper is a modest contribution to the recent discourses and critical debates in education.