Pedagogy Rooted in Relational Authenticity and an Ethic of Care (77904)
Session Chair: Colleen Kawalilak
Sunday, 18 February 2024 14:55
Session: Session 3
Room: Sri Nakorn
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
In this paper presentation, we share our autoethnographies as adult lifelong learners and educators to describe living our philosophy and teaching praxis, rooted in the coherent integration of active contemplation that prompts contemplative action. As adult educators in higher education, our pedagogy and praxis are guided by our philosophy that teaching and learning are dynamic, relational processes, focusing on co-creating authentic, caring relationships “based on treating others with respect and dignity, so that trusting relationships can develop …” (Thayer-Bacon, 2003, p. 247). We seek to create adult learning spaces/places that foster “safety and challenge”. Safety refers to mitigating power differentials and supporting a learning culture that welcomes and values differences. In safe space, life experiences acquired along the way are examined, through critical reflection, to make deeper meaning of experiences to uncover the learning potential that resides there. Upon a foundation of trust, learners are challenged to lean into what is often unfamiliar and uncomfortable, to critically reflect on tightly held assumptions—shifting one’s lens to consider, through dialogue and respectful discourse, alternate perspectives and practices. As social beings, our lives begin and are lived in relationships with others—this also needs to be fostered in the classroom. The quality of these relationships directly affects our abilities to become “knowers”. This is because we develop a sense of “self” through relationships with others, and we need a sense of self in order to become potential knowers. This sense of self is greatly enhanced if rooted in an ethic of care.
Authors:
Colleen Kawalilak, University of Calgary, Canada
Janet Groen, University of Calgary, Canada
About the Presenter(s)
Professor Colleen Kawalilak is a University Professor/Principal Lecturer at University of Calgary in Canada
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