University of Sussex
Browse

File(s) not publicly available

Learning in a border country: Using psychodynamic ideas in teaching and research

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 07:44 authored by Celia Hunt, Linden West
This paper arises out of recognition of the importance of psychodynamic theory in our approaches to teaching and research. We demonstrate how psychodynamic ideas - broadly defined as encouraging people to engage more closely with thoughts and feelings that may be hidden from the conscious mind - can be applied in many, diverse, and radical ways. But also how such an approach can be problematical both for students and teachers. We take issue with those writers who want to separate therapy from education, insisting as they do that 'therapeutic education' involves a 'diminished' notion of the subject who sees him- or herself as a victim of circumstances. Instead, we suggest, entering the border country between therapeutic and educational processes and ideas can be deeply rewarding as well as empowering for teachers, researchers and learners alike.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Studies in the Education of Adults

ISSN

0266-0830

Issue

2

Volume

38

Page range

160-177

Pages

18.0

Department affiliated with

  • Centre for Community Engagement Publications

Notes

This paper engages in the current debate about 'therapeutic education', arguing against the view that it involves a diminished notion of the subject who sees him- or herself as a victim of circumstances. Instead, it argues that entering the border country between therapeutic and educational processes and ideas can be deeply rewarding as well as empowering for teachers, researchers and learners alike. The two authors bring a different theoretical perspective: Hunt draws on interpersonal psychodynamic theory and West on object relations theory. The paper was refereed by two independent readers and makes a significant contribution to an important current debate in adult education.

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC