Pedagogy of the Depressed

Christopher Schaberg's book explores the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education, considering the challenges and opportunities faced by English professors in the early 21st century. He advocates for collaboration, mentoring, and less grading to reinvigorate teaching and learning.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

This book is a comprehensive assessment of university life in the early 21st century, written by an English professor. It delves into various aspects of the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education, including mental health concerns, trigger warnings, learning management systems, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Christopher Schaberg adopts an interdisciplinary public humanities approach to explore the often challenging and dispiriting realities of college life today. However, amidst these reflections, he also glimpses opportunities for reinvigoration. He highlights the potential of collaboration, mentoring, reduced grading, surface reading, and other pedagogical strategies to revitalize teaching and learning in the turbulent decade we are currently facing.

The book explores the pressures and challenges faced by students and professors in the modern university environment. It discusses the rise of mental health issues, the need for trigger warnings and safe spaces, and the challenges of navigating learning management systems. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these issues, forcing universities to adapt quickly to online learning and remote teaching.

Schaberg argues that the traditional model of higher education is outdated and in need of reform. He advocates for a more holistic approach that emphasizes the development of critical thinking, empathy, and lifelong learning skills. He suggests that universities should focus on creating collaborative learning environments, providing mentorship opportunities, and reducing the emphasis on grades and standardized tests.

The book also offers practical strategies for teachers and professors to enhance their teaching practices and engage students more effectively. It suggests using active learning techniques, such as group projects and case studies, to promote collaboration and critical thinking. It also recommends reducing the workload of professors by implementing more efficient grading systems and providing support for mental health and well-being.

Overall, this book provides a valuable insight into the current state of higher education and offers practical solutions for improving teaching and learning in the 21st century. It is a must-read for educators, students, and anyone interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities facing the modern university.

Weight: 254g
Dimension: 141 x 215 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501364570