Invitational Learning

General

Invitational theory was firstly introduced by William Purkey in 1978 in his book “Inviting School Success” and describes an educational framework of learning/teaching relationships based on human value, responsibility and capabilities.

What is invitational learning

Invitational theory starts from assumptions that each individual analyzes situations according to his past experiences and observations (self-concept theory) and that he develops behaviors based on his perceptions of the world. People are inherently valuable, capable and have a potential in all areas of human development, yet should be helped and directed to develop that potential. The very process of helping here is just as valuable as its end goal.

Invitational theory suggests individuals should be encouraged to make meaningful choices through interaction with teacher. Learning is here observed in social context, where learners should be invited by the teacher to develop their potentials. The invitation here is described by Purkey as “a summary of messages, verbal and nonverbal, formal and informal, that are sent to students with the intention of affirming for them that they are responsible, able, and valuable.”

The four values of invitational theory which teachers should compose in order to create ideal environment are respect, trust, optimism and intentionality. These values should define the teacher/learner relationship.

What is the practical meaning of invitational learning?

Invitational learning suggests that teachers should, in order to facilitate learning, provide the learners with an environment that is optimally inviting. Respect, trust, optimism and intentionality are elements that will ensure that and should be a part of every educational process.

In Purkey's words, “No aspect of education is more important than the feeling on the part of the teacher that the individual student is important, valuable, and can learn in school”.

Keywords and most important names

invitation, respect, trust, optimism, intentionality

William Purkey

Bibliography

Invitational theory and perioperative nursing preceptorships | AORN Journal | Find Articles at BNET.

Inviting school success: Invitational Education and the Art class | Journal of Invitational Theory and Practice | Find Articles at BNET.

Multicultural Education and Invitational Theory: A Symbiosis.

Read more

Purkey, William Watson, and John M. Novák. Inviting school success: a self-concept approach to teaching and learning. Wadsworth Pub. Co., 1984.