Responsible teaching

Willem Wardekker

pp. 27-39

in: Bert van Oers (ed), Developmental education for young children, Berlin, Springer, 2012

Abstract

What is seen as responsible teaching depends on two main elements: the view of development of children, and the view of the aims of education. This chapter contrasts the points of view of Developmental Education on these two aspects with the (sometimes implicit) views of other concepts of education, e.g. effective teaching or progressive education. In Developmental Education, development is interpreted as transformation, and the aim of education is the building of pupils' identity as responsible citizens. It will be argued that as a consequence, teaching is seen as a process in which teachers and pupils respond to each other in the context of cultural practices. In this process, teachers strive to stimulate development optimally. As the social conditions of development change, this implies that teachers are also learners, continually enhancing their professionalism, and schools should create the conditions for the learning of teachers and pupils alike.