Emotion in Education: The Power of Fear

• In Event: Philosophy and Emotion in/of Educators

Abstract

This follow up to an earlier study examines the feeling of fear that many educators shared they felt in their first few years of teaching. When seeking to understand the experiences and barriers that exist as they pertain to new educators teaching for diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in their classrooms, being fearful was a surprising finding that was worth investigating further. It became clear that, while some experiences centered on fear were very real, other mentions of fear might have been a comfortable blanket to hide behind in order to avoid any type of discomfort or disruption in the classroom. Either way, weather real or manufactured, fear in the classroom can do real harm and is worth discussing.

Author

• Danielle Ligocki, Oakland Univeristy