Research Research UnitsM.E.T.R.I.

M.E.T.R.I. – Modelli Educativi: Teorie e Ricerche Interdisciplinari (Educational Models: Interdisciplinary Theories and Research)

Keywords: Education, Theory, Research, Interdisciplinarity.

 

Research topics: In the philosophical field, the research unit intends to promote epistemological depth in training strategies related to scientific and humanistic education, paying particular attention to the transversality of some conceptual schemes. Furthermore, the unit aims to trace, in the history of scientific and philosophical thought, significant points of reference for an analysis of the dynamics inherent in the transformation of theoretical and methodological frameworks that have repercussions on an educational and, in a broad sense, pedagogical level. The pedagogical field intends to activate an overall reflection of educational knowledge and a critical questioning on the identity/function of pedagogy. In fact, this aspect has become more and more central in the contemporary theoretical-educational context and more and more defined research is dedicated to these fields, which are, at the same time, essential for the construction of transversal epistemological canons. In particular, some specific fields will be studied locally, nationally and internationally: the task of education philosophy (in relation to the complexity of pedagogical discourse and human sciences); new family and social educational models (with reference to neo-pragmatist theoretical tools); the school and socio-educational services (in relation to teaching processes, the role of teachers and educators and their training); the adolescent phase (with particular emphasis on the phenomena of marginality and deviance); media education (for media literacy, but also training in a critical and conscious use). The psychological field aims to investigate how attitudes are formed and changed to promote well-being and the development of life skills, at an individual, group, organizational, and community level. The same field examines the general well-being of individuals and social groups, as well as the generalization effects of targeted actions against the background of a continuous theoretical and methodological integration between the specific paradigms of social psychology and the epistemologies of other disciplines. The sociological and communicative field aims to deepen scientific knowledge pertaining to educational models and communicative paradigms concerning training and educational, both formal and informal. In a communicative key, the study and investigation of these aspects is, in fact, increasingly central and urgent in the context of a desired knowledgeable society. The social and communicative dynamics that affect all the social actors involved in these processes will be the starting point from which the analysis will branch out, based on generative communication methodology.

 

Aims and objectives: Within the research unit, the main theoretical and research models of education are studied and investigated, from an interdisciplinary point of view, in their autonomy and synergy. In particular, the various components of the unit will develop four areas of investigation: philosophical, pedagogical, psychological and sociological. In relation to its object of study, the research unit intends to focus on the themes of general pedagogy today, trying to answer a series of current questions that have not be adequately answered so far which will guide the implementation and development of specific research paths. Thus, the research unit is committed to providing an interdisciplinary, critical and operational reflection on these problems. In order to reach these goals, it is believed that the research unit must provide a functional duration for the realization of various hypothesized paths. In this regard, we propose a temporal structuring of the research unit on a multi-year basis.

 

Current projects:

1. “Common Spaces for Integration of Roma” international project. 

2. “RE-SERVES, la ricerca al servizio delle fragilità educative” (Research at the service of educational fragility) national project (PRIN). 

3. “Bambini. Dalla periferia al centro” (Children from the suburbs to the center) national project to combat educational poverty. 

4. Experimental research activated by the Scientific Committee of Scuola-Città Pestalozzi di Firenze “Chiavi per il futuro” (Keys for the future). 

5. Project with the Municipality of Livorno: “La qualità dei servizi educativi e scolastici”. 

6. Project with the Municipality of Poggibonsi: “Spazi e materiali nei servizi per l’infanzia: idee per progettare consapevolmente”. 

7. Project with the Municipality of Scandicci: “La continuità educativa nella prospettiva di una formazione integrata”. 

8. Project with the Giallo Mare Minimal Teatro of Empoli cultural association: “Fra quattro mura”. 

Coordinator:

Alessandro Mariani

Members:

• Franco Cambi (IUL)
• Rossella Certini
• Cosimo Di Bari (FORLILPSI)
• Elena Falaschi
• F. Farahi (FORLILPSI)
• Enrichetta Giannetti
• J. Magrini (FORLILPSI)
• Maria Rita Mancaniello
• Alessandro Mariani
• M. Parente (UNED)
• Alberto Peruzzi
• Daniela Sarsini (IUL)
• Luca Toschi

Others involved:

• Dip. DILEF
• Dip. DSS
• Dip. DSPS

Contact:

alessandro.mariani(AT)unifi.it