Teaching in Higher Ed
Joy-Centered Pedagogy
Apr 17, 2025
Eileen Camfield, Interim Director at UC Merced and author of *Joy-Centered Pedagogy*, shares insights on how joy can invigorate education. She discusses the impact of pandemic trauma on student engagement and the need for compassion in responses. Eileen advocates for a balance between rigor and joy in learning, showcasing how nurturing relationships can transform traditional practices. She also emphasizes collaboration over competition in education and explores the uplifting effects of music and enjoyable literature in fostering a joyful mindset.
37:20
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The pandemic has intensified existing issues in higher education, revealing the detrimental effects of competition and individualism on student engagement.
- Implementing joy-centered pedagogy fosters authentic connections and healing in the classroom, transforming the learning experience for both students and educators.
Deep dives
The Impact of the Pandemic on Student Well-Being
The pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing issues in higher education, leading to increased feelings of fear, uncertainty, and loneliness among students. Prior to the pandemic, students often expressed their dissatisfaction with school through non-verbal cues, indicating a lack of engagement with the educational environment. This discontent is rooted in a culture centered on academic competition and the fear of failure, which has intensified during the pandemic, resulting in both hyper-arousal and hypo-arousal responses from students. As a result, many educators may mistakenly label students as disengaged or entitled without recognizing the systemic challenges these students face.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
