This article discusses the underlying teaching framework of relational cultural theory (RCT), as well as additional teaching practices used within a doctoral-level…
Abstract
Purpose
This article discusses the underlying teaching framework of relational cultural theory (RCT), as well as additional teaching practices used within a doctoral-level, interdisciplinary social studies course on critical social justice. Areas for future development are identified.
Design/methodology/approach
A research-engaged, conceptual report on practice was used to identify and integrate relevant scholarship for the purpose of formulating and analyzing teaching practices for this type of course, and to iteratively identify possible directions for future development.
Findings
RCT is a generative, underlying teaching framework for the interdisciplinary social study of critical social justice. Additional teaching practices including a community agreement to guide challenging discussions; participant-led presencing activities at the outset of classes; and, co-creation by participants of the content topics can be fruitfully embedded within RCT. Potential future development could include team-based, community-engaged, experiential term projects aimed at further deepening interdisciplinarity and civic engagement skills.
Practical implications
Practical guidance is provided on the use of RCT, community agreements, co-creation, presencing activities and Indigenous land acknowledgments or contemplations on Indigenous works.
Social implications
RCT can be used across different educational levels or contexts. Practices of co-creation, presencing and contemplation of Indigenous works are receiving increased consideration in diverse contexts. However, conventional grading procedures can be inconsistent with critical social justice, suggesting the need for research-engaged policy review.
Originality/value
This article responds to recent scholarly calls for discussion of teaching practices in the interdisciplinary, social study of critical social justice in post-secondary education.
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Within North American institutions of higher education, the sociopolitical construct of whiteness comprises an often implicit set of lessons that are reflected not only in policy…
Abstract
Within North American institutions of higher education, the sociopolitical construct of whiteness comprises an often implicit set of lessons that are reflected not only in policy and curricula but also in the teaching practices of faculty. Such lessons perpetuate white centricity and supremacy, at enormous costs to those who have been negatively racialized. Therefore, it is critical for white faculty to engage meaningfully with ongoing processes of self-reflection, self-education, and skill development so that they can contribute positively to the interrogation and disruption of whiteness in higher education. This chapter discusses seven processual considerations for white educators who seek to interrogate and disrupt the problem of whiteness in teaching and learning.
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Madasu Bhaskara Rao, Abhilasha Singh and Pulaparthi Mallika Rao
Human perceptions, attitudes, and relationships are shaped by worldviews and values. The rich mosaic of worldviews in today's fast-changing global village, where cultures interact…
Abstract
Human perceptions, attitudes, and relationships are shaped by worldviews and values. The rich mosaic of worldviews in today's fast-changing global village, where cultures interact and information flows freely, challenge educators and students. Worldviews influence problem modeling and solutions. Worldviews give us psychological confidence that the world is as we see it, safe, secure, and belonging. Each worldview is consistent with the assumptions, ideals, and analytical processes. Values define behavior, attitudes and decision-making. The global higher education system's long history and recent developments in globalization, technological innovations, and internationalization make it even more complex. Globally, higher education is evolving rapidly. Global political, economic, social, technological, and environmental factors promote rapid change. Higher education institutions have struggled to adapt to these developments due to limited resources and capacity. Growing demand has created new business models and institutions. Access, equity, inclusion, and quality are new issues that emerged. To be relevant in a rapidly changing environment, higher education institutions must adapt to the knowledge society and growing need for access. This anthology contains 14 thought-provoking studies on worldviews and values in teaching-learning, curricula, assessment, and outcomes.