Essay on “Teaching by Negotiation has to Replace Teaching by Imposition”
The landscape of education has witnessed various pedagogical shifts over the years, responding to societal changes and evolving understandings of learning and development. A significant shift that has gained attention is the transition from teaching by imposition to teaching by negotiation. In this essay, we explore the implications of this shift, analysing the inherent challenges of teaching by imposition, the benefits of teaching by negotiation, and the steps needed to facilitate this important transition.
Quick Essay Highlight in List Format:
- Understanding the Current State: The Nature and Challenges of Teaching by Imposition
- Teaching by imposition is a traditional top-down educational approach.
- It may stifle creativity and hinder the development of critical thinking skills.
- This approach may not cater to diverse learning needs and can create passive learners.
- The Role of Teacher as Negotiator: Advantages of Teaching by Negotiation
- Teaching by negotiation fosters an interactive and engaging learning environment.
- It enhances students’ engagement, curiosity, and critical thinking skills.
- This approach allows for personalized learning, catering to individual student needs.
- Transitioning Towards Teaching by Negotiation: The Way Forward
- Transition requires a rethinking of educational practices and teacher training.
- Institutional policies should be revised to promote teaching by negotiation.
- The benefits of teaching by negotiation make it a worthy approach to pursue.
Title: The Pedagogical Shift: From Teaching by Imposition to Teaching by Negotiation
1. Understanding the Current State: The Nature and Challenges of Teaching by Imposition
Teaching by imposition has been a traditional approach in educational settings, where the teacher holds the position of authority, presenting the curriculum in a top-down manner without any room for negotiation (Saitechinfo, 2019). While this method may seem efficient and may promote discipline, it could stifle learners’ creativity and hinder the development of critical thinking skills (Psychology Today, 2018). Legitimacy of non-negotiable imposition in diverse educational approaches has been questioned as it does not cater to the diverse learning needs of students and does not consider the students’ input or feedback (ResearchGate, 2020).
Moreover, educational research shows that an imposition approach can make students passive learners, causing them to merely accept information rather than actively engaging with it (OUP, 2023). This passivity may prevent students from becoming lifelong learners, as it tends to create an environment where learning is seen as a chore rather than an enjoyable process of discovery and exploration. Thus, it is apparent that teaching by imposition has its limitations and challenges.
2. The Role of Teacher as Negotiator: Advantages of Teaching by Negotiation
Teaching by negotiation represents a significant shift from traditional teaching methods, fostering an interactive and engaging learning environment (Education Summary, n.d.). Teachers as negotiators open up dialogues with students, encouraging them to voice their thoughts and ideas. This approach transforms the classroom into a democratic space where everyone’s opinion is valued and respected (PON, n.d.).
This pedagogical model enhances students’ engagement in the learning process, stimulating their curiosity and encouraging the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills (PON, n.d.). Negotiation in teaching also leads to mutual respect between teachers and students, fostering a more cooperative relationship and, ultimately, a more productive learning environment (Education Summary, n.d.).
Furthermore, teaching by negotiation allows for the accommodation of diverse learning styles and needs, as the teacher can modify the learning materials and methods in response to students’ feedback and learning progress (OJP, n.d.). This flexibility makes learning more personalized and effective, catering to the individual needs of each student.
3. Transitioning Towards Teaching by Negotiation: The Way Forward
The transition from teaching by imposition to teaching by negotiation requires a rethinking of educational practices and systems. Teacher training programs need to incorporate negotiation skills in their curriculum, enabling teachers to effectively facilitate discussions and address diverse viewpoints in the classroom (OJP, n.d.).
Moreover, institutional policies should be revised to promote teaching by negotiation. This might include reducing standardized testing, which often reinforces teaching by imposition, and encouraging more project-based and student-centered learning activities (OJP, n.d.). The pedagogical shift will not happen overnight, but the benefits of teaching by negotiation are clear and compelling.
In conclusion, teaching by negotiation offers a promising alternative to traditional imposition methods. While it comes with its own set of challenges, such as the need for teacher training and systemic changes, the benefits it brings to students’ engagement and learning outcomes make it a worthy approach to pursue.
References
- Education Summary. (n.d.). Role of Teacher as a Negotiator in Teaching and Learning Process. Available at: https://educationsummary.com/lesson/role-of-teacher-as-a-negotiator-in-teaching-and-learning-process/ [Accessed 25 May 2023].
- OJP. (n.d.). Challenges in Teaching Negotiation. Available at: https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/challenges-teaching-negotiation [Accessed 25 May 2023].
- Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School. (n.d.). Teaching Materials. Available at: https://www.pon.harvard.edu/tag/teaching-materials/ [Accessed 25 May 2023].
- Psychology Today. (2018). Education: Elicit It or Impose It. Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/great-kids-great-parents/201807/education-elicit-it-or-impose-it [Accessed 25 May 2023].
- ResearchGate. (2020). Legitimacy of non-negotiable imposition in diverse approaches to education. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285547234_Legitimacy_of_non-negotiable_imposition_in_diverse_approaches_to_education [Accessed 25 May 2023].
- Saitechinfo. (2019). Writing Imposition Makes Students to Realize Their Mistakes. Available at: https://saitechinfo.net/2019/11/29/writing-imposition-makes-students-to-realize-their-mistakes/ [Accessed 25 May 2023].
- Oxford University Press. (2023). Chapter in Edited Volume. Available at: https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/28010/chapter/211784939 [Accessed 25 May 2023].