Acceptance is the Key

I think all any of us want is to be accepted. I really relate to the scenario of having to achieve in order to 'earn' that right to belong. I thought it was just me, and had never interpreted it as a 20th Century educational phenomenon. Needless to say I found article by Norman Kunc (1992) very illuminating. The argument made in this article is very strong, particularly as it describes benefits for every member of the classroom. Acceptance equals an emotional state of relaxation which is conducive to healthy self esteem and the process of learning. I imagine the active learning approach would go hand in hand with this plan. The more students interact and participate together, the more familiar and connected they will become, which will enhance their sense of belonging and preparedness to learn. The same principle applies to learning styles. By incorporating a variety of learning style activities into the one session, we can in a sense 'welcome' each type of learner to the process, again enhancing the sense of classroom community which hopefully works as a model for out-of-school attitudes and perceptions also. Maybe it was Felder's reference to the "spirituality of teaching", but this whole unit has really got me thinking how important it is for us as teachers, to actively generate a culture of tolerance and cooperation in which meaningful learning can thrive.

Kunc, N., (1992) The Need to Belong: Rediscovering Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, (in Villa R.,, Thousand, J., Stainback, W. & Stainback, S. Restructuring for Caring & Effective Education. Baltimore: Paul Brooks.