'Cura Personalis' during COVID-19: Student and Faculty Perceptions of the Pedagogy of Compassion

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Bibliographic Details
Title: 'Cura Personalis' during COVID-19: Student and Faculty Perceptions of the Pedagogy of Compassion
Language: English
Authors: Ma. Monica L. Moreno, Maria Mercedes T. Rodrigo, Johanna Marion R. Torres, Timothy Jireh Gaspar, Jenilyn A. Casano
Source: Computer-Based Learning in Context. 2022 5(1):22-63.
Availability: University of Pennsylvania. 3451 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. e-mail: cb.learningincontext@gmail.com; Web site: https://learninganalytics.upenn.edu/CBLC/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 42
Publication Date: 2022
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: COVID-19, Pandemics, Student Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes, College Students, College Faculty, Altruism, Caring, Teaching Methods, Educational Practices, Teacher Role, Teacher Student Relationship, Foreign Countries, Mental Health, Well Being, Teacher Motivation, Learner Engagement, Classroom Techniques, Interpersonal Communication
Geographic Terms: Philippines
ISSN: 2690-1307
Abstract: In early 2020, the COVID-19 forced schools, colleges, and universities to close their campuses and shift 1.5 billion learners from the face-to-face mode of instruction to online learning. The abruptness of the shift took a toll on students' mental and emotional health. In response, educational institutions prioritized the use of compassion-based teaching and learning policies and approaches in order to create environments in which students can continue to thrive. This paper describes how the Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines implemented its own brand of compassion-based teaching, "cura personalis" or care for the entire person. We discuss the circumstances that motivated the emphasis on compassion, the teaching and learning practices that enacted compassion, and the tradeoffs or costs to the institution. We found that the pandemic made it difficult for students to concentrate on their studies, were less engaged, and were fearful and anxious. Teachers therefore focused on students' emotional wellbeing by conducting regular check-ins, just to find out how they were, and relaxed assessment requirements. As a consequence, teachers had to greatly reduce the scope of their subjects and deprioritize academic rigor. It is in this context that recommendations are made to balance emotional and academic wellbeing.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2024
Accession Number: EJ1437264
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:In early 2020, the COVID-19 forced schools, colleges, and universities to close their campuses and shift 1.5 billion learners from the face-to-face mode of instruction to online learning. The abruptness of the shift took a toll on students' mental and emotional health. In response, educational institutions prioritized the use of compassion-based teaching and learning policies and approaches in order to create environments in which students can continue to thrive. This paper describes how the Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines implemented its own brand of compassion-based teaching, "cura personalis" or care for the entire person. We discuss the circumstances that motivated the emphasis on compassion, the teaching and learning practices that enacted compassion, and the tradeoffs or costs to the institution. We found that the pandemic made it difficult for students to concentrate on their studies, were less engaged, and were fearful and anxious. Teachers therefore focused on students' emotional wellbeing by conducting regular check-ins, just to find out how they were, and relaxed assessment requirements. As a consequence, teachers had to greatly reduce the scope of their subjects and deprioritize academic rigor. It is in this context that recommendations are made to balance emotional and academic wellbeing.
ISSN:2690-1307