Rediscovering the Spiritual Dimension in Education: Promoting a Sense of Self and Place, Meaning and Purpose in Learning

Souza, Marian de

doi:10.1007/1-4020-5246-4_79

Cited by 11 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Thus, the aim for educators and other professionals who work with children and young people should include the promotion of positive experiences of connectedness which will enhance the individualís sense of belonging and wellbeing as well as reduce negative experiences which lead to disconnectedness (de Souza, 2012b(de Souza, , 2016. As I have discussed elsewhere (de Souza, 2006(de Souza, , 2008(de Souza, , 2016, western education systems which have influenced learning in both Western and Eastern countries are driven by a scientific world view that is objective, positivistic and reductionistic, focusing as they do on compartmentalization, competitiveness and the promotion of the individual over the group (for instance, Claxton, 2008;Lucas & Claxton, 2010;Moffett, 1994;Noddings, 1992;Robinson, 2001;Robinson & Aronica, 2009, among others). What such a system has failed to recognize is the holistic nature of learning which is grounded in the totality of human experience, that is, one which integrates rationality, emotionality, physicality and spirituality (for instance, see de Souza, 2016;hooks, 1994;Miller, 2000Miller, , 2006Miller & Nakagawa, 2001).…”

Section: A Concept Of Spirituality In Educationmentioning

confidence: 93%

“…My research for the past twenty years has examined the role of spirituality in education in terms of nurturing the relational aspects of studentsí lives, thereby promoting experiences of connectedness (see de Souza, 2003de Souza, , 2004de Souza, , 2006de Souza, , 2009de Souza, , 2013de Souza, , 2014de Souza, , 2016. The author have identified how the spiritual dimension of learning contributes to mental, emotional and physical wellbeing and, potentially, to the nurturing of socially cohesive communities (2009,2013,2014,2016).…”

Section: A Concept Of Spirituality In Educationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The author have identified how the spiritual dimension of learning contributes to mental, emotional and physical wellbeing and, potentially, to the nurturing of socially cohesive communities (2009,2013,2014,2016). The author have also argued that the spiritual dimension of western education was seriously neglected in the previous century for a variety of reasons (de Souza, 2006(de Souza, , 2016. For instance, there was a concentration on cognitive learning to provide students with knowledge and skills for the workforce in the twentieth century.…”

Section: A Concept Of Spirituality In Educationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Spiritual Dimension of Education – Addressing Issues of Identity and Belonging

Souza

2016

Discourse and Communication for Sustainable Education

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In a shrinking world where events across the globe become relevant for the lives of masses of people regardless of the distances that divide them, some serious issues have arisen which have particular significance for education policies and practice. Too many children are growing up against a backdrop of polarised views and attitudes which is a cause for concern in many countries where societies are characterized by racial, cultural and religious diversity.This article explores some critical concepts that are pertinent to contemporary Australia and uses research findings and content analysis to problematize the issue. It argues that there is clear evidence that the health and wellbeing of children and young people is being affected by exposure to prejudicial attitudes which can be linked to the diversity that has become a sustaining feature of many contemporary societies and it has had serious consequences for their identity and sense of belonging. It proposes that one way of addressing these issues is through education that addresses the relational dimension of studentsí lives which is expressed through their connectedness to all others, that is, their spiritual natures. Finally, it identifies some features of such an educational system. Keywords: globalization, plurality, connectedness, spiritual wellbeing, radicalization, Islamophobia, non-conscious learning, prejudiceThe 21 st century has witnessed the world becoming increasingly polarised. At one end, progress in the various shapes and sizes of science and technological invention, economic and political stability and greater access to education and health care are symbols that suggest social and emotional wellbeing for the many but, in relative terms across the globe, often only benefit the few. At the other end, there is the turmoil and desperation of millions of displaced people and the substantial problems for western countries, which have wealthy democratically elected governments, to somehow manage the impossible numbers of asylum seekers alongside the heightened security required to combat the threat of terrorism. Such polarisation is readily communicated to large numbers of people across the world precisely because media technology and social networking has made the world a much smaller place where events that occur in one

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Section: A Concept Of Spirituality In Educationmentioning

confidence: 93%

Section: A Concept Of Spirituality In Educationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: A Concept Of Spirituality In Educationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Spiritual Dimension of Education – Addressing Issues of Identity and Belonging

Souza

2016

Discourse and Communication for Sustainable Education

Self Cite

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“…In expanding on such an understanding, de Souza (2006) argues that spirituality involves a journey toward Ultimate Unity. Such a movement can be understood to spiral through different layers of connectedness with self, others, the world, and possibly, with God, which generally move forward towards deeper and wider levels, but which could recede depending on the particular contexts of an individuals' experience.…”

Section: An Understanding Of Spiritualitymentioning

confidence: 98%

Godly Play Nourishing Children's Spirituality: A Case Study

Hyde

2010

Religious Education

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“…Attention to the spiritual dimension has been perceived as a means of promoting a sense of self, meaning, and purpose in the context of promoting holistic education (de Souza 2006). Understandings about spirituality and its place within education have extended beyond religious expressions of spirituality (Alexander and McLaughlin 2003).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Attending to the spiritual dimension to enhance curriculum change

Buchanan¹

2010

Journal of Beliefs & Values

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Rediscovering the Spiritual Dimension in Education: Promoting a Sense of Self and Place, Meaning and Purpose in Learning

Cited by 11 publications

References 4 publications

The Spiritual Dimension of Education – Addressing Issues of Identity and Belonging

The Spiritual Dimension of Education – Addressing Issues of Identity and Belonging

Godly Play Nourishing Children's Spirituality: A Case Study

Attending to the spiritual dimension to enhance curriculum change

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