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 prescient 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: Paperback / softback
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 offer a timeless and relevant framework for reimagining the role of the teacher and the student in the learning process.

Through his emphasis on mindfulness, spirituality, and student-centered pedagogy, Moffett challenged traditional approaches to teaching and learning that were often focused on rote memorization and standardized tests. He believed that education should be more than just a means of imparting knowledge, but also a way of fostering personal growth and development.

Moffett's ideas were particularly relevant in the context of the 1960s, when the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and other social and political upheavals were shaping the nation. He saw education as a powerful tool for promoting social justice and equality and for empowering students to become active participants in their communities.

One of Moffett's most influential ideas was his concept of the "universe of discourse." He argued that language was not just a means of communication, but also a way of expressing and exploring the world around us. He believed that teachers should help students develop a broad and deep understanding of the world by exposing them to a wide range of texts, cultures, and perspectives.

Moffett also emphasized the importance of student-centered pedagogy, which placed the student at the center of the learning process. He believed that students should be actively engaged in their learning and that teachers should provide them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. This included providing opportunities for student voice and choice, as well as promoting collaboration and critical thinking.

In addition to his ideas about language and pedagogy, Moffett was also a strong advocate for the importance of mindfulness and spirituality in education. He believed that these practices could help students develop a sense of inner peace and well-being, which could in turn help them become more engaged and effective learners.

Moffett's work has had a lasting impact on the field of education, and his ideas continue to inspire teachers and scholars today. His emphasis on mindfulness, spirituality, and student-centered pedagogy offers a powerful framework for reimagining the role of the teacher and the student in the learning process and for promoting holistic development and well-being.

In conclusion, Toward a Re-Emergence of James Moffett's Mindful, Spiritual, and Student-Centered Pedagogy is a valuable resource for scholars, educational professionals, teachers, and graduate students of writing studies, rhetoric, composition, and English education. It offers a practical guide to understanding the theory, methodology, and praxis of James Moffett and provides a rich engagement with his ideas and ideas. Moffett's work offers a timeless and relevant framework for reimagining the role of the teacher and the student in the learning process and for promoting holistic development and well-being.

Weight: 401g
Dimension: 225 x 150 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433196621
Edition number: New ed