Theoretical considerations of compassionate education practices

Sobers, Shawn

Abstract

Opening provocation exploring the theme of whether a compassionate led approach to education can lead the way for equality. Acknowledging that it is a shame that the question need be asked at all, looks into ways formal education spaces have become battle grounds for the tensions and ideologies of society, the responsibility placed at their doorsteps by the media, government, and communities, where being compassionate to learners is the not part of the discourse but the one vital thing for educators to do. Draws on the ideas of Paulo Freire and notions of the teacher-student / student-teacher, Sherry Arnsteins 'ladder of citizen participation', and challenges of creating truly democratic learning environments, and the need to employ different teaching methods according to needs of the learner in any given moment. Ends with thoughts of the caution of education spaces formally leading equality but should absolutely be the bastions of leading by example. As with all expectations placed on schools particularly, due support and resources are needed to enable it's rightful leadership position for equality without becoming scapegoated in due process by the same media, government and communities when innovations are taking place in that direction.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: Can compassionate education lead the way for equality?
• Start Date: Mar 11, 2022
• End Date: Mar 11, 2022
• Deposit Date: Mar 12, 2022
• Keywords: compassionate education care student-centred pedagogy
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/9202712
• Additional Information: Critical Race and Culture Research Group