Nel Nodding's Theory Of Ethics Of Care In Education

Nel Noddings, born January 19, 1929 in the town of Irvington, NJ, is a promoter in the idea of ethics of care in education. Nodding dawns an extensive resume in the New Jersey public school system, as a College professor, and she has also held the position of president in both the Philosophy of Education Society and the John Dewey Society. Her exploration into the ethics of care and the significance of caring and relationship, both as an educational goal and as a fundamental aspect of education, were very influential. Nodding’s theories and ideas on the use of caring concepts to develop an alternative approach to education focuses on the importance of interactions and the way they are perceived and dealt with. Nodding wanted to focus more so …show more content…
In viewing the dynamics of interaction, we can begin to see the focus of Noddings’ theory. During an interaction between two individuals, two roles take place. One individual acquires on the role of “care giver” and the other takes on role of the “cared for”. At this time the “care giver” is activity listing and attending to the “cared for”. During this interaction something is happing that Noddings describes as “motivational displacement”. Motivational displacement is a term she uses to describe the “care giver” putting aside their needs to attend to the “cared for”. At this time the “cared for”’ begins to assume their responsibilities. Their job in this interaction is to express need to the caregiver for help. Also, the “cared for” must provide feedback to the “care …show more content…
That teacher’s responsibility in this interaction is to make the students in the classroom feel comfortable and cared for. With that said, we must assume that the teacher is assessing the needs of the class while maintaining an attention to the expressed need of the individual student. In the realm of education you can understand why it is essential for the teacher to accept the role as caregiver. While taking on this role, you begin to take on a different outlook that will morph your teaching style in a more positive and receptive way. This type of interaction and caring, will ultimately aid in the students education and learning potential. If a teacher is making the students feel cared for, then they ultimately have a greater need to learn. I also see, in terms of flexibility, the importance of keeping the students engaged rather than maintain a strict lesson plan. In my current role as a Career Service Advisor, I conduct a magnitude of different seminars to a wide range of students. I am constantly assessing my students in order to tailor the seminars for optimal