PEDAGOGY
I n higher education, the idea that the quality of teaching is as an innovative post-socio-constructivist approach that integrates scientific advances in the fields of neuroscience and social psychology, as well as positive psychology, to create an educational environment conducive to the emotional wellbeing and overall success of students. Such an approach emphasises empathy, mutual understanding and emotional support, offering a more complete vision of education than just academic variables. based solely on the transmission of academic knowledge, or the academic quality of faculty, is changing. The holistic development of students cannot be achieved through the acquisition of cognitive skills alone. The importance of the emotional, relational and social aspects of learning is increasingly being emphasised. From this perspective, compassionate pedagogy is emerging The scientific foundation of compassion In the context of higher education, compassionate teaching is based on a solid scientific foundation, resulting from research into neuroscience and various different kinds of psychology. Neuroscience findings have revealed that compassion activates specific brain regions associated with empathy and social connection. For example, work by Tania Singer, a researcher at the University of Leipzig, has shown that areas such as the prefrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate cortex and the ventral striatum are activated when compassion is expressed. These regions are involved in emotional regulation, perspective-taking and social motivation, underlining the importance of compassion in human brain function. In addition, studies have shown that regular practice of compassion leads to neuroplastic changes in the brain, strengthening neural circuits associated with empathy and emotional wellbeing. Research into compassionate meditation has shown an increase in activity in the left prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain associated with positive emotions and emotional regulation. Social psychology has also contributed to our understanding of compassion, by highlighting its beneficial effects on interpersonal relationships and
community cohesion. The work of American psychologist Daniel Batson has highlighted the mechanisms underlying altruism and the motivation to help others, showing that compassion plays a central role in these processes. Moreover, studies have shown that the practice of compassion encourages the creation of strong social bonds, co-operation and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. University of North Carolina professor Barbara Fredrickson’s research has highlighted the concept of ‘broaden-and-build’, according to which positive emotions such as compassion expand our repertoire of actions and strengthen our psychological resources, thereby contributing to our emotional and social wellbeing. Positive psychology has made a significant contribution by highlighting the benefits of compassion on emotional wellbeing and life satisfaction. Research undertaken by Kristin Neff, an associate professor at the University of Texas, has highlighted the importance of self‑compassion, defined as the ability to treat one’s own suffering with kindness and understanding. Studies in positive psychology have also demonstrated that the regular practice of compassion improves our mental health by reducing stress, anxiety and depression. For instance, compassion-based interventions such as therapy and meditation have been shown to be effective in treating various psychological disorders and enhancing emotional wellbeing. By integrating this scientific knowledge into teaching practice, educational institutions can create learning environments that foster the holistic development of students, cultivating not only their academic expertise but also their relational, emotional and social skills. Advantages of this type of pedagogical approach The benefits of this kind of approach are numerous and include the following: • Emotional and mental wellbeing : By encouraging compassion, teachers can foster a learning environment
in which students feel understood, supported and valued, thereby reducing stress, anxiety and depression, as well as creating conditions conducive to better learning. By way of example, the University of California at Berkeley has set up programmes such as Greater Good in Education , which successfully integrate compassionate practices into some of its teaching.
Ambition | NOVEMBER 2024 | 27
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