Describe what humanising pedagogy entails and discuss how decolonising education,
(Point 1); and Waghid’s African philosophy of education (point 2) allows for practising
humanising pedagogy.
Humanising pedagogy entails an educational approach that focuses on the holistic development of students, taking into account their unique characteristics, emotions, and experiences. It emphasizes the importance of creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that fosters critical thinking, skepticism, and empathy. The aim of humanising pedagogy is to empower students to become active agents in their own learning and engage with the world in a meaningful way.
To decolonise education is to challenge and dismantle the Eurocentric frameworks and structures that dominate the field. It seeks to promote the inclusion of non-Western perspectives, knowledge systems, and cultures in the educational curriculum. By decolonising education, the aim is to create a more diverse and pluralistic learning environment that allows students to explore a range of perspectives, promoting critical thinking and a more comprehensive understanding of the world.
Waghid's African philosophy of education aligns with the principles of humanising pedagogy. Waghid emphasizes the importance of contextualizing education within the local culture and values of the learners. He argues that education should be centered around the lived experiences of students and should aim to empower them to make meaning of their own realities.
Waghid's African philosophy of education allows for practicing humanising pedagogy by providing a framework that values the cultural diversity and knowledge systems of students. It encourages teachers to incorporate local perspectives and narratives into the curriculum, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural pride. Waghid's philosophy also promotes a student-centered approach, where learners are actively engaged in their learning process and encouraged to question and critically analyze information.
Decolonising education complements humanising pedagogy by challenging the dominant Eurocentric narratives and allowing for the inclusion of marginalized voices and histories. By decolonising the curriculum, educators can expose students to a wider range of perspectives, breaking down biases and stereotypes. This enables students to develop a more comprehensive and empathetic understanding of the world, emphasizing the importance of valuing diverse knowledge systems and cultures.
In conclusion, humanising pedagogy encompasses an educational approach that prioritizes the holistic development of students. Decolonising education and Waghid's African philosophy of education align with this pedagogy by promoting cultural diversity, student-centered learning, and critical thinking. These approaches allow for the creation of inclusive learning environments that empower students to engage with the world in a meaningful and transformative way.
Humanising pedagogy involves shifting the focus of education from a purely cognitive and academic approach to one that prioritizes the holistic development of students, emphasizing their individuality, cultural background, and lived experiences. It aims to create inclusive and empowering learning environments that foster critical thinking, empathy, social responsibility, and a sense of agency among students.
1. Decolonising Education:
Decolonising education is an approach that challenges and critiques the Eurocentric, colonial framework that has historically dominated educational systems. It aims to dismantle the structures of power, privilege, and oppression perpetuated by traditional education by centering marginalized voices, histories, and knowledge systems.
Decolonising education aligns with humanising pedagogy by challenging the dominant narratives and knowledge systems that have ignored or marginalized certain cultures, languages, and perspectives. It advocates for the inclusion of diverse voices, decolonizing curriculum content, and promoting critical consciousness among students. By acknowledging and valuing different ways of knowing and being, decolonising education contributes to humanising pedagogy's goals of empowering students and fostering social justice and equity.
2. Waghid's African Philosophy of Education:
Waghid's African philosophy of education emphasizes Ubuntu, a concept rooted in African cultures that emphasizes interconnectedness, communalism, and respect for the dignity and worth of every individual. This philosophy aligns with humanising pedagogy by promoting a holistic approach to education that values the social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of learning.
Waghid's philosophy emphasizes the importance of identity formation and self-realization within a communal context. It recognizes that students' cultural, social, and historical contexts shape their learning experiences and should be honored and incorporated into the educational process. By engaging with students' experiences, fostering dialogue, and promoting a sense of belonging and interconnectedness, Waghid's philosophy enables humanising pedagogy in practice.
In summary, decolonising education challenges the dominant Eurocentric framework, while Waghid's African philosophy of education incorporates African values such as Ubuntu. Both approaches align with humanising pedagogy by prioritizing the holistic development of students, valuing diverse perspectives, and fostering social justice, empowerment, and equity within educational settings.
Humanising pedagogy involves placing the well-being, dignity, and agency of students at the center of the educational experience. It is an approach that aims to create inclusive, empowering, and respectful learning environments that foster critical thinking, empathy, and social justice.
Now, let's discuss how decolonising education contributes to practising humanising pedagogy (point 1). Decolonising education seeks to challenge and dismantle the colonial structures, narratives, and power dynamics that have historically marginalized and excluded certain cultures, perspectives, and knowledge systems. It involves recognizing and valuing diverse forms of knowledge, promoting cultural inclusivity, and reevaluating Eurocentric biases within the curriculum.
To practice humanising pedagogy through decolonising education, educators can include underrepresented voices, histories, and experiences in their teaching materials. They can engage students in critical dialogue and reflections about power dynamics, privilege, and social justice issues. By incorporating diverse perspectives, educators create opportunities for students to develop compassion, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the complexities of the world.
Now, let's move on to point 2 - Waghid's African philosophy of education and how it facilitates humanising pedagogy. Nuraan Davids and Yusef Waghid argue that Waghid's African philosophy of education aligns with humanising pedagogy. Waghid emphasizes ubuntu, a Southern African concept that recognizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of individuals within a community. Ubuntu promotes inclusivity, empathy, and mutual respect, which are central to humanising pedagogy.
Waghid's philosophy of education highlights the importance of dialogical teaching and learning, where teachers and students engage in reciprocal knowledge construction. This pedagogical approach aims to overcome power imbalances between educators and learners and encourages active participation and agency among students. By incorporating Waghid's African philosophy of education into their practice, educators can create an environment that values students' cultural identities, fosters meaningful connections, and promotes the well-being of the whole community.
In summary, decolonising education challenges colonial legacies and promotes inclusivity, diversity, and social justice within the curriculum. Waghid's African philosophy of education, with its emphasis on ubuntu and dialogical teaching, aligns with humanising pedagogy by fostering respect, empathy, and agency among students. By adopting these approaches, educators can create transformative learning experiences that empower students and promote a more equitable and just society.