Describe what humanising pedagogy entails and discuss how decolonising education,

Question

(Point 1); and Waghid’s African philosophy of education (point 2) allows for practising
humanising pedagogy.
Include in-text references

Answer 1

Humanising pedagogy is an educational approach that aims to transform the traditional teacher-student relationship into a more inclusive and equitable partnership. It centers on the idea that education should not only transmit knowledge, but also foster critical thinking, empathy, and social consciousness. Humanising pedagogy recognizes and respects the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of learners, placing an emphasis on their identity, culture, and lived realities in the learning process.

Decolonising education, as a supportive framework for humanising pedagogy, challenges the dominance of Eurocentric knowledge and perspectives in the curriculum. It seeks to dismantle the hierarchical structures and power imbalances that are inherent in colonial education systems, which tend to marginalize and dismiss indigenous and non-Western knowledge systems. By decolonising education, schools and teachers can incorporate diverse worldviews, experiences, and histories into the curriculum, giving voice and agency to students from marginalized communities.

Waghid’s African philosophy of education further contributes to the practice of humanising pedagogy. Drawing on African epistemology, Waghid argues for an educational approach that incorporates communal values, spirituality, and a sense of interconnectedness. In this philosophy of education, the goal is not only to transmit knowledge, but also to cultivate a sense of ubuntu, which emphasizes the interdependence and humanity of all individuals. By incorporating Waghid’s African philosophy of education, educators can engage learners in dialogues that promote empathy, respect, and understanding of others, fostering a transformative learning experience.

In summary, humanising pedagogy requires an approach that goes beyond the transmission of knowledge and recognizes the diverse identities and experiences of learners. Decolonising education challenges colonial hierarchies and allows for the inclusion of multiple perspectives and knowledge systems in the curriculum. Waghid’s African philosophy of education adds an emphasis on communal values and interconnectedness, contributing to the development of a transformative and humanising pedagogy.