World-Centred Education: A View for the Present

This book argues that education should be world-centered rather than child-centered or curriculum-centered, emphasizing the importance of teaching as an act of (re)directing the attention of students to the world to meet its demands. The school is uniquely positioned to provide this time for the new generation, indicating its democratic quality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 126 pages
Publication date: 13 July 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book makes a significant intervention in a longstanding debate by advocating for a world-centered approach to education rather than focusing solely on children, curricula, or individual needs. This perspective is not merely driven by the desire to equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the world effectively, but also because the world itself is the very context in which our existence as human beings unfolds.

In the seven chapters of this book, Gert Biesta delves into the intricacies of an existential orientation to education, emphasizing its urgency and relevance in today's educational landscape. He highlights the significance of teaching, which is more than just the transmission of knowledge and skills; rather, it is an act of redirecting students' attention to the world, enabling them to engage with the world's demands and questions. Through this lens, the book demonstrates why teaching holds immense importance in education. Moreover, it underscores the unique role of schools as the spaces where the next generation has the opportunity to encounter the world and come to know themselves in relation to it. The extent to which society is willing to allocate time for this encounter serves as a crucial indicator of its democratic quality.

This vital text serves as a valuable resource for academics, students, teachers, school administrators, and teacher educators alike. It underscores the need for a global perspective in education, recognizing that the world is interconnected and that our actions and decisions have far-reaching consequences. By adopting a world-centered approach, educators can foster a sense of responsibility, empathy, and critical thinking among students, preparing them to be active contributors to a more inclusive and sustainable world.

Weight: 204g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367565527