Capability approach and teacher education
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The Capability Approach and Teacher Education
Introduction to the Capability Approach in Education
The capability approach, developed by Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum, emphasizes the importance of education as a foundational capacity for human well-being and as an enabling factor for individuals to live lives they value. This approach has significant implications for teacher education, providing a critical and generative lens for guiding and assessing curriculum development and pedagogical practices.
Enhancing Teacher Professional Capabilities
Understanding Professional Lives of Teachers
In Sub-Saharan Africa, the capability approach has been used to explore the professional lives of women teachers in rural communities. This framework helps to understand the relationship between official representations of teachers' work and the realities they experience. By conceptualizing professional capabilities from both official and teacher perspectives, the approach highlights the pursuit of quality in teachers' work and provides insights into their professional lives.
Addressing Vulnerabilities in Teacher Professionalism
Case studies of temporary teachers at the University of Delhi reveal that the growing casualization of teaching positions can restrict professional capabilities. The capability approach helps to understand these vulnerabilities and their impact on the future of higher education in India. This understanding is crucial for developing strategies to support and enhance the professional capabilities of teachers.
Integrating the Capability Approach in Higher Education
Critique of the Competencies Approach
The competencies approach, widely adopted in higher education, has several limitations that can be addressed by the capability approach. The latter offers a more holistic view by focusing on the development of capacities and opportunities, as well as the enhancement of judgment in exercising these capacities. This integration can lead to a more comprehensive educational framework that better supports student development .
Implications for Curriculum Development
In medical education, the capability approach provides a framework for implementing and evaluating educational interventions aimed at increasing social justice. By recognizing and challenging constraining factors, this approach facilitates students in achieving their potential and aspirations. This model can be extended to other areas of higher education to promote a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Education as a Common Good
The capability approach also offers a valuable perspective on education as a common good. It emphasizes the human development of individuals and communities, viewing education not just as an individual benefit but as a collective asset that contributes to the well-being of society. This perspective encourages a more holistic understanding of the role of education in human development.
Conclusion
The capability approach provides a robust framework for enhancing teacher education by focusing on the development of professional capabilities, addressing vulnerabilities, and integrating a more holistic view of education. By adopting this approach, educators can create more inclusive, supportive, and effective educational environments that promote both individual and collective well-being.
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