Describe what humanising pedagogy entails and discuss how decolonising education,

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

1 answer

Humanising pedagogy entails an educational approach that focuses on the holistic development of students, taking into account their unique characteristics, emotions, and experiences. It emphasizes the importance of creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that fosters critical thinking, skepticism, and empathy. The aim of humanising pedagogy is to empower students to become active agents in their own learning and engage with the world in a meaningful way.

To decolonise education is to challenge and dismantle the Eurocentric frameworks and structures that dominate the field. It seeks to promote the inclusion of non-Western perspectives, knowledge systems, and cultures in the educational curriculum. By decolonising education, the aim is to create a more diverse and pluralistic learning environment that allows students to explore a range of perspectives, promoting critical thinking and a more comprehensive understanding of the world.

Waghid's African philosophy of education aligns with the principles of humanising pedagogy. Waghid emphasizes the importance of contextualizing education within the local culture and values of the learners. He argues that education should be centered around the lived experiences of students and should aim to empower them to make meaning of their own realities.

Waghid's African philosophy of education allows for practicing humanising pedagogy by providing a framework that values the cultural diversity and knowledge systems of students. It encourages teachers to incorporate local perspectives and narratives into the curriculum, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural pride. Waghid's philosophy also promotes a student-centered approach, where learners are actively engaged in their learning process and encouraged to question and critically analyze information.

Decolonising education complements humanising pedagogy by challenging the dominant Eurocentric narratives and allowing for the inclusion of marginalized voices and histories. By decolonising the curriculum, educators can expose students to a wider range of perspectives, breaking down biases and stereotypes. This enables students to develop a more comprehensive and empathetic understanding of the world, emphasizing the importance of valuing diverse knowledge systems and cultures.

In conclusion, humanising pedagogy encompasses an educational approach that prioritizes the holistic development of students. Decolonising education and Waghid's African philosophy of education align with this pedagogy by promoting cultural diversity, student-centered learning, and critical thinking. These approaches allow for the creation of inclusive learning environments that empower students to engage with the world in a meaningful and transformative way.