<b>EncounteringTransformation: </b>Shared Humanity: Lessons in Critical Thinking &amp; Shared Humanity Learning Coach Module Reflections
Creators: name: Andrews, Ruth
Publisher: name: figshare
Year: 2025
Subjects: classificationCode: 390102
subject: Curriculum and pedagogy theory and development
classificationCode: 441004
subject: Social change
classificationCode: 441005
subject: Social theory
classificationCode: 441008
subject: Sociology of culture
classificationCode: 441012
subject: Sociology of inequalities
classificationCode: 390303
subject: Higher education
classificationCode: 390305
subject: Professional education and training
classificationCode: 390407
subject: Inclusive education

description: Shared Humanity: Lessons in Critical Thinking integrates a number of learning theories and methodologies towards developing conscientious citizenry. Freire’s educational theory, which connects both personal and social transformation (Merriam et al., 2007:140), emphasises the critical reflection on one’s position in society and the power within (Walter, 1999, p. 35), aiming to view the world holistically, analyse the root causes of injustice and act based upon that.Paul and Elder (2006) Ruth Paul &amp; Elder position thinking about our thinking as a way to address bias and prejudice. Our thinking left to itself, is biased, distorted, partial, uninformed, or downright prejudiced. If we want to think well, we must understand at least the rudiments of thought, the most basic structures out of which all thinking is made.Learning may occur in 3 domains, i.e. instrumental, communicative, critical or emancipatory, suggesting “different modes of personal learning and different learning needs” (Mezirow, 1981:4). Emancipatory learning domain refers to personal growth and understanding of oneself, e.g. psychological and cultural assumptions influencing the way one sees and acts in the world (Rogers, 1992:13; Newman, 2000:273). “In this domain, we learn to solve problems by a form of self-reflection that may transform our whole way of thinking and our perspectives. Experiential Learning (Kolb &amp; Dewey) as methodology and philosophy becomes the vehicle for transformative theory.<i>There are many times when, because of an emotional attachment to certain topics, I cannot always speak about them. But I've realised that it is possible to discuss difficult topics and to be objective about them. Being able to discern how I feel and how others feel/perceive topics is something I'm still learning, but this module has helped me to speak to people more effectively, even though I'm introverted and struggle to voice certain feelings/thoughts I might have. I enjoyed seeing how this module helped me to put aside some of my own (for lack of a better word) 'awkwardness' and being able to speak to others irrespective of myself.</i> (Learning Coach B, 2023)<i>I think the one thing that stood out for me was knowledge, social structures, and cultural sensitivity as principles and practices. I saw that I did have knowledge gaps when it came to understanding the different cultures and personalities that I come across on a daily basis. Coming from an area that’s not really multi-diverse, it’s so easy for me to assume or make up my conclusion when it comes to culture and social structures. It made me realise that, for the most part, I never really gave myself the opportunity to seek knowledge when it came to the different cultures and social structures. </i>(Shared Humanity Cohort 4 Participant, 2023)<br>