Responsible Pedagogy: Moving Beyond Authority and Mastery in Higher Education

Responsible Pedagogy emphasizes the value of public higher education and the work of teaching, arguing that the balance of authority and agency in the classroom is often precarious and that the emphasis on mastery distorts the proper relation between the student and teacher. It develops a pedagogy of responsibility that can be applied in writing and communication curricula, assignments, and teacher-student interactions, calling into question our newfound trust in educational technology and pointing the way to a better, more effective pedagogy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 25 October 2022
Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press

In recent decades, public higher education has been plagued by persistent crises, stemming from state budget cuts and the encroachment of for-profit entities into the realm of postsecondary education. As these public institutions strive to remain competitive, they have resorted to maximizing efficiency, often at the expense of their teaching staff. Responsible Pedagogy, a groundbreaking book by Eric Detweiler, presents a compelling argument for the significance and value of public higher education and the work of teaching.

Detweiler's exploration of the history of rhetoric and writing in postsecondary education reveals a nuanced and complex interplay between authority and agency in the classroom. From the Socratic method to medieval exercises, from MOOCs to remote, asynchronous learning, the balance of power and responsibility has always been precarious. However, the underlying issue goes deeper. At the heart of authority and agency lies the value of mastery, which the teacher is responsible for imparting to the student.

In his book, Detweiler argues that this emphasis on mastery distorts the proper relationship between the student and teacher, one that should be characterized by mutual respect, vulnerability, and responsibility. He draws on contemporary ethics, rhetorical theory, and critiques of practices in the online classroom to develop a pedagogy of responsibility that can be applied in writing and communication curricula, assignments, and teacher-student interactions.

Responsible Pedagogy challenges our newfound trust in educational technology and urges us to reevaluate our teaching practices. It advocates for a return to the traditional role of the teacher as a guide, mentor, and facilitator of learning, rather than a mere dispenser of knowledge. By emphasizing the importance of mastery and the teacher-student relationship, Responsible Pedagogy offers a roadmap for a better, more effective pedagogy that empowers both students and teachers.

In conclusion, Responsible Pedagogy is a vital contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of public higher education. By highlighting the value of teaching and the importance of the teacher-student relationship, Detweiler provides a framework for revitalizing public institutions and improving the quality of education. This book is a must-read for educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of higher education.

Weight: 431g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780271093437