Reconstructing Education: Toward a Pedagogy of Critical Humanism

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Drawing on elements of progressive education, existential theory, feminist pedagogy, and values education, critical humanism combines the holistic-psychological concerns of humanistic education with the sociopolitical contextualization of critical pedagogy. Developed over the past 15 years in one of North America's more experimental institutes of higher education, the New School at Dawson College, this theory and practice responds to both the personal and the political needs of students. "Reconstructing Education" is at once a review of this century's educational theories, an account of the work at the school, and an empowering illustration of the way in which schools can incite the motivation of students and encourage them to become active members in a truly democratic society. The "case study" chapters on The New School give concrete examples of how this philosophy is manifested in the school's methodology, structure, and pedagogy and draws heavily on the written work of teachers and students. To formulate a similar approach for a specific school, it is essential to combine a rigorous analysis of existing educational models with the dialectical process of creating and recreating a new model defined by the articulation of both learners' and teachers' affective, cognitive, and socially constructed needs.

Reviews

"This is an illuminating, accessibly written, and important book. It doesn't settle for criticizing the status quo, but goes beyond that to propose refreshing and transformative solutions of particular interest to women and other 'have nots'--and indeed to everyone who is interested in the salvation and transformation of education."-Robin Morgan Editor in Chief Ms. Magazine

Author Bio

GRETA HOFMANN NEMIROFF was a founding member of The New School of Dawson College, Montreal, Canada, in 1973 and was its Director/Co-director from 1975-1991. Currently on leave from The New School, she holds the Joint Chair of Women's Studies at Carleton University and the University of Ottawa. She is the President of the Canadian Women Studies Association. She has published numerous articles and stories and has edited two books on women in Canada.