IN-PERSON New Schools of Thought

Abstract

Traditional educational models often perpetuate systemic inequalities and limit critical engagement. Radical pedagogy, drawing from the works of Paulo Freire, bell hooks, and Henry Giroux, seeks to dismantle these barriers by promoting participatory, student-centered learning experiences. Within these inclusive learning environments, emotional intelligence should be prioritized and carried out in symphony between instructor(s) and student(s). The Radical Pedagogy Lab (RadLab) is a research lab dedicated to advancing the theory and practice of radical pedagogy, with a focus on empirical research, curriculum development, and community engagement. The RadLab explores methods that are being carried out in higher ed classrooms with the goal of being inclusive. Preliminary research suggests that there is very little in the way of student voices regarding how they feel the classroom (documentation, space, instructor, assignments, assessments, rubrics, feedback, etc.) contributes or does not contribute to their feeling of safety and belonging. This presentation seeks to share my experiences creating and running the RadLab while, more importantly, harnessing the collective intellect and emotion of the participants to share experiences around emotional intelligence in higher education. Together we will: 1) discuss survey mechanisms from the institution, department, and from instructors ourselves and their efficacy in assessing affective pedagogy, 2) examine interventions that foster emotional intelligence, and 3) analyze student assessments that reference emotionality.