Human-centered Pedagogy: Active and Personal Learning in the Justice Classroom

• In Event: Roundtable: School & Education

Abstract

In this paper I explore the significance of pedagogical perspectives and practices which center on active learning processes. Such processes can set the stage for good student learning and development in the justice classroom (and in field educational experiences).
The overall importance of such processes for students' intellectual and personal development is discussed (in general and within our contemporary AI-context educational environment). The value of personal engagement with course materials for students' learning about (in)justice and developing their own justice frameworks is highlighted (e.g., learning about the harms of correctional confinement from Department of Justice official reports).
The presentation explores the benefits of an active human-focused pedagogy for the classroom (e.g., a pedagogy of sight, sound, being social, reading, collaborating, writing, listening, discussing, analyzing, presenting).
Specific pedagogical activities are discussed (e.g., courtroom field observations).

Author

• Brian Smith, Central Michigan University