Toward a Re-Emergence of James Moffett's Mindful, Spiritual, and Student-Centered Pedagogy

Toward a Re-Emergence of James Moffett's Mindful, Spiritual, and Student-Centered Pedagogy is an edited collection that pushes forward Moffett's ideas into contemporary contexts of teaching, learning, and the language arts. It offers scholars, educational professionals, teachers, and graduate students a practical guide to understanding Moffett's theory, methodology, and praxis, and is perfect for scholars at all levels interested in language learning, writing and composition, and mindfulness and spirituality in teaching and learning.

Format: Hardback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2023
Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing Inc

Toward a Re-Emergence of James Moffett's Mindful, Spiritual, and Student-Centered Pedagogy is an edited collection comprised of thirteen original chapters and two vital reprints of Moffett's work that have been out of print for more than thirty years. All of the contributions in this volume are dedicated to pushing forward Moffett's prescient ideas into the contemporary contexts of teaching, learning, and the language arts, which inform current discussions of holistic education.

The volume offers scholars, educational professionals, teachers, and graduate students of writing studies, rhetoric, composition, and English education a practical guide to understanding the theory, methodology, and praxis of James Moffett. This text is perfect for scholars at all levels who are focused on language learning, writing and composition, and mindfulness and spirituality in teaching and learning or teacher educators seeking inventive approaches to literacy learning which account for holistic conceptions of development and the theory and history of composition.

The volume begins with an in-depth introduction to Moffett's work for those new to Moffett studies and offers readers the tools to deepen or begin the study of Moffett's ideas as well as resources for continuing that work beyond this volume.

No history of the National Writing Project, or of English Language Arts teaching more generally, would be complete without a rich engagement with the work and ideas of James Moffett. Written during the tumultuous 1960s, Moffett's central books, Teaching the Universe of Discourse and A Student-Centered Language Arts Curriculum, sparked a paradigm shift in how the profession came to understand the purpose and substance of teaching language and literacy. As current teachers grapple with a rapidly changing world, Moffett's ideas remain as relevant and important as ever.

In this volume, scholars and educators explore the enduring influence of Moffett's pedagogy on teaching and learning. They examine his belief in the power of language to create meaning and his commitment to student-centered learning. They also discuss his use of mindfulness and spirituality in the classroom, and how these practices can promote student well-being and academic success.

The volume includes a range of perspectives and approaches, from theoretical discussions to practical examples. Contributors include Moffett's colleagues, students, and scholars from various fields, including education, linguistics, and literature.

One of the key themes of the volume is the importance of promoting student agency and voice in the classroom. Moffett believed that students should be active participants in their learning, and that teachers should create opportunities for them to express their ideas and perspectives. This approach aligns with current discussions about student-centered education and the importance of empowering students to take ownership of their learning.

Another theme is the integration of mindfulness and spirituality in teaching and learning. Moffett believed that these practices could help students develop a sense of self-awareness, empathy, and compassion, which are essential for personal and academic growth. He also believed that these practices could promote a sense of peace and well-being in the classroom, which can be particularly valuable in today's fast-paced and stressful world.

The volume also explores the historical context of Moffett's work and the challenges he faced in advocating for his ideas. During the 1960s, Moffett was a vocal critic of traditional education practices and was committed to promoting a more holistic and student-centered approach to teaching and learning. He faced opposition from many in the profession, who saw his ideas as radical and unproven.

Despite these challenges, Moffett's work had a lasting impact on the field of education. His books and ideas continue to inspire teachers and educators around the world, and his legacy is celebrated through ongoing research and advocacy.

In conclusion, Toward a Re-Emergence of James Moffett's Mindful, Spiritual, and Student-Centered Pedagogy is a valuable resource for scholars, educators, and anyone interested in promoting student-centered and holistic education. The volume offers a comprehensive and practical guide to understanding Moffett's ideas and their relevance to contemporary teaching and learning practices. By engaging with Moffett's work, we can continue to build upon his legacy and create a more equitable and effective education system for all students.

Weight: 474g
Dimension: 225 x 150 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433196591
Edition number: New ed