Measuring the Role of Vulnerability in the Classroom

Abstract

Education has been diverging from a human- to a digital-centered practice with increasing technological advances and initiatives at school districts put tablets or computers in the hands of every student. It is crucial, now more than ever, to provide engagement that will actively rehumanize education. (Brown, 2012). Re-introducing vulnerability has the potential to spark creativity, foster innovation, and create meaningful change in our increasingly disconnected classrooms. (Brown, 2010). This thesis investigates the potential of vulnerability to inform pedagogical practices and amplify human connections made in the classroom. It presents an action research study conducted in my own middle school classroom. I provide details on the growth around my experiences teaching, modeling, and learning about the role of vulnerability. I explore vulnerability as the special ingredient in the classroom that enhances all other pedagogical practices, and outline a future direction for this work.