Education for Inner Transformation and an Expanded Self: Paradigm Shift in Education

Session Submission Type: Symposium

Abstract

As the old functionalist paradigm which treats students as objects to be labeled, graded, and placed differentially in the social hierarchy can no longer serve us, it is prime time for a paradigm shift in education --- from merely focusing on knowledge acquisition and competitiveness to cultivating the depth of human existence through transforming and expanding our inner selves. Instead of engendering a spiritual void rendering students to feel empty, meaningless, and disconnected, education for students’ holistic growth prioritizes the cultivation of wisdom and the nurturing of unconditional love, empowering teachers and students with the divine light to love, care, and respect each other. Through tapping into their inner wisdom, students open their hearts to see one another as connected by our common humanity and become messengers to bring peace to the world. Papers in this panel provide theoretical analyses and practical examples on how to incorporate self transformation as a whole being into the transformation of the mission of education in the 21st century.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Spirituality & Education

Chair

• Jing Lin, University of Maryland - College Park

Papers

• Transforming the Role of Education to Focus on its Intrinsic and Spiritual Dimensions - Ai Zhang, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey

• Developing a Unique but Inclusive Self: A Discussion With John Dewey and Liang Shuming - Huajun Zhang, Beijing Normal University

• Self-Transformational Activities for Secondary Education and Above - Rebecca L. Oxford, Alabama A&M University

• Education for Wisdom: Toward an Expanded Self - Jing Lin, University of Maryland - College Park