Tapsmas pedagogu vykdant savo pašaukimą kaip informaliojo mokymosi sąlyga

Abstract

This article emphasizes experience determined by biographical circumstances, which encouraged informal learning and simultaneously became the basis for competences of a teacher’s profession. While talking about lifelong learning and constantly growing requirements for teachers’ professionalism, initially it is important to understand how development of teacher’s competences occurs by learning informally. Only then one can talk about structures enabling this process. The aim of the article is to reveal a calling experienced by an individual and his/her decision to become a teacher as one of the conditions promoting informal learning and leading to development of one’s professional competences. The analysis and outcomes of the obtained data are grounded on the theory of abductive research logic according to Peirce and theory-based methodology according to Strauss and Corbin (1996). One can draw a conclusion that the perceived calling for a certain profession makes the ground for subjective aspect of a profession. Calling leads to a positive relation with a profession as well as satisfaction with one’s professional activity. If professional activity provides satisfaction to an individual, then he/she is not only willing to pursue it but also seeks perfection and tries to improve his/her work quality by learning. He/she will be able to improve his/her abilities whereas calling will serve as an internal stimulus and will be predisposition to competence development. Qualitative research has revealed that selection of a teacher’s profession is related to abilities determined by biographical circumstances. A teacher’s profession is selected more or less subconsciously and this decision is based on previously gained experience or simply by identifying himself/herself with certain individuals or idols. After the studies have already started, to-be teachers have their own perception about future work. This calling, which determined selection of a profession, preconditions development of personal skills and learning. One needs to have certain understanding if he/she wants to know his/her interests, skills, desires.