The teacher as prophet in a transformational ideology of education

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Drenda Power Lalor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
David E. Purpel

Abstract: The purpose of this dissertation is to examine the possibility for personal and social transformation through education. This inquiry examines the need for a transformational consciousness in order to meet the challenge of current world crises. This study examines different perspectives of transformative education. Several theorists address this issue: liberationist, Paulo Freire; futurist, Alvin Toffler; humanistic and transpersonal psychologists and educators; James B. Macdonald in his work on transcendental theory. The framework for this dissertation is centered in the work of Matthew Fox, who connects transformation with compassion, spirituality and social justice. This study proposes that teachers can act as prophets of change, as catalysts within the schools for personal and social transformation. It examines current practices in teaching that perpetuate the status quo and create passivity and conformity in students. It examines the sociological literature on teachers, which indicates that teachers generally are conservative and resistant to change.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 1987
Subjects
Education $x Aims and objectives
Education $x Philosophy
Teaching $x Philosophy

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