Enhancing Active Learning through a Holistic Approach: A Case Study of Primary Education in Lithuania

Abstract

The renewed Lithuanian General Framework for Primary Education emphasises an integrated and holistic approach, advocating for active, experiential learning methods without compartmentalisation (2022). This study aims to determine which active, holistic educational methods are prevalent in the Lithuanian primary education system. In holistic education theory, active learning methodologies are divided into transactional and transformational strands. To accomplish the research goal, we carried out a two-phase quantitative study. This study involved 365 Lithuanian primary school teachers and seven public primary schools. The researcher observed 30 lessons conducted by different teachers. The collected data underwent quantitative analysis and qualitative interpretation. The results indicate that transaction-oriented active learning methods, such as group work, discussion, and play-based learning, are standard in Lithuanian primary education settings. The study identifies a lack of transformative educational approaches at the primary level.

Keywords

• holistic education
• active learning methods
• primary education
• survey
• classroom observations