Higher Education in a World of Radical Unknowability: An extension of the challenge of Ronald Barnett |
| |
| Authors: | Aidan Curzon-Hobson |
| |
| Institution: | Department of Drama , University of Pretoria , Pretoria , South Africa |
| |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this paper is to explore the pedagogical implications of Ronald Barnett's claim that teaching in higher education must confront, celebrate and augment a world of radical unknowability. In examining Barnett's body of work, significant reference is made to the insights of Martin Buber and Paulo Freire in relation to Barnett's conceptualisation of potentiality and dialogue. It is argued that a consideration of these ideas in the former philosophers' work extends and clarifies the challenges inherent for tertiary teachers who are dedicated to transform students' understanding of and capacity to change their relationships within the world. The fusion of these theorists elicits a powerful and motivating challenge for those working in higher learning to engage with diverse forms of thought, action and reflection in a rigorous and dialogical process, a process necessarily underpinned by the qualities of risk, strength and courage. |
| |
| Keywords: | teaching innovation classical Greek dramas ‘mantle of the expert’ text adaptation performance practice holistic student learning |
|
|
