Pedagogy, or the methods and approaches used by educators to teach and facilitate learning, plays a crucial role in education. It determines how knowledge is transmitted and how students engage with and make sense of the material being taught. In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards "humanizing" pedagogy, which puts the focus on the whole student and not just their academic abilities.
So, what is humanizing pedagogy? At its core, it is about creating a positive and inclusive learning environment that values and respects the individual needs, experiences, and backgrounds of each student. It recognizes that students are more than just their grades and test scores, and that their personal and social development shaped by historical, cultural, and intergenerational knowledge is just as important as their academic progress. As Paulo Freire notes, to humanize is to see someone as fully human; to overcome situations where students are “reduced to things.”
Why is humanizing pedagogy important? There are many benefits for both students and educators. For students, a humanizing approach can increase engagement, motivation, and well-being, as they feel seen, heard, and valued as individuals. It can also promote equity and social justice, as it acknowledges and addresses the diverse needs and challenges faced by different groups of students.
For educators, humanizing pedagogy can lead to improved job satisfaction and effectiveness. When educators are able to create a positive and supportive classroom culture, they can foster stronger relationships with their students and build trust and mutual respect. This, in turn, can lead to more meaningful and engaging learning experiences for all.
So, how can educators implement humanizing pedagogy in their classrooms? Here are a few strategies:
Use student interests and experiences as starting points for learning. This can make the material more relevant and engaging for students, and also helps to validate and incorporate their unique perspectives and backgrounds.
Incorporate social-emotional learning (SEL) into lessons. SEL skills, such as self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy, are crucial for students' personal and social development and are also linked to academic success.
Value diversity and inclusion. This means creating a safe and welcoming space for all students, and actively working to dismantle biases and stereotypes. It can also involve incorporating diverse perspectives and voices into the curriculum.
Build relationships with students. This is perhaps the most important aspect of humanizing pedagogy. By getting to know your students as individuals and showing genuine care and concern for their well-being, you can create a positive and supportive classroom culture.
Integrate humanizing pedagogy into lesson planning and delivery. This means considering the whole student when designing lessons and assessments, and using teaching methods that are interactive and experiential rather than just lecture-based.
In conclusion, humanizing pedagogy is a vital component of effective education. By putting the focus on the whole student and creating a positive and inclusive learning environment, educators can enhance student engagement, motivation, and well-being, and also promote equity and social justice. By implementing the strategies outlined above, educators can begin to incorporate humanizing pedagogy into their practice and transform the way they teach.