Experience, the Art of Human Encounter: Eisner, Pedagogy, and a Response to Bullying

• In Event: An Eclectic Eye for Experience and Innovation

Abstract

Bullying is a plague which continually affects the healthy pedagogical experience of adolescents. New perspectives to respond to bullying are necessary to move beyond mere punitive measures. Eisner's themes and pedagogical perspectives offer a holistic approach to education as the art of human encounter which can offer a bridge for the current gap for contemporary responses to bullying. The following study utilizes Educational criticism and connoisseurship in an exploratory 10-day curriculum to respond to bullying. The emergent themes from the student data include: a) all humanity has worth and value, b) it is essential to develop common ground with others, c) peace and calm are better resolutions than aggression and anger, and d) happiness is greater than material possessions.

Author

• Thomas Malewitz, Spalding University