Toward the fusion of different horizons : methodological potentials and challenges when exploring values education in Nordic preschools

Abstract

<div lang="en" class="abs"><p class="abs_header">Abstract</p><p>This chapter draws from a research project within which researchers from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden investigated values education in Nordic preschools. The project was based on an interpretive methodology in which knowledge was co-constructed with educators and within a cross-national research team rather than drawn from direct comparisons between the countries. This chapter contributes to the discussions on cross-cultural methodologies by critically exploring the methodological potential and challenges faced in three sub-studies within the Nordic project. We seek an answer to the question: How is it possible to achieve understanding across professional, linguistic, and national borders? Applying ideas from Gadamer’s hermeneutic philosophy, interpretation and understanding are approached in terms of the <em>fusion of horizons</em>. On one hand, the study reveals the potential for encounters of different horizons through collaboration between educators and researchers as well as between researchers from different countries. Coming into contact with a different horizon may broaden the fore-understandings of the interlocutors, thus deepening their understanding. On the other hand, the study draws attention to the challenges of understanding, such as the lack of a common language and limitations when using translated texts. Implications for future research are discussed.</p></div>