Social organization and emancipatory opportunities in higher education: an investigation into the social organization of student learning and a search for the space in time to develop and express independent, creative and critical thought
Date
1999
Authors
McDonald, Jacqueline Bernine Mary
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
An institutional ethnographic investigation into how student learning activities are coordinated and organized within a single academic course was conducted for this thesis in order to excavate aspects of the course organization that support and encourage independent, creative and critical student reflection and expression, as well as features of the course organization that work against the realization of these opportunities. This thesis arose out of a concern that aspects of the social organization of higher education impedes the development and expression of independent, creative and critical thought among students. Critical and creative thinking affords opportunities to ask questions, to confront problems and to realize emancipatory opportunities. It is essential for discovering new ways of thinking and new knowledge; therefore, it must be sponsored and nurtured in formal academic course activities.