Gemeinsam zum Lernen forschen – ein Brückenschlag der Perspektiven

How can learning in basic education be talked about on an equal footing with the learners? This article argues in support of participative research in basic education as a means to this end. It presents a participatively conceived research project that served as the preliminary study for a larger research project that was still in the planning stage in February 2018: Research Course Learning (Forschungskurs Lernen in German). In this initial research course, (former) basic education course participants tested out the participative approach to research along with project organisers and operators in the area of basic education and professional researchers. The different perspectives of the researchers that were involved, their experiences in the research course and many a moment of sudden insight are impressively described in this article. The theoretical background for the research course is provided by Jack Mezirow’s transformative learning theory, which comprehends the process of the transformation of perspectives as a fundamental dynamic in the learning, development and education of adults. One main finding of the research presented here is the unpredictability of learning, empowerment and transformation. The unavailability of learning and the learners means that learning cannot be ordered. Moreover, the voices of the learners and participants in education as well as of those who have not/not yet/never participated in participative research would presumably expand, correct and ultimately change the image of social reality and especially the definition of basic education. (Ed.)