Pestalozzi and pedagogies of love: pathways to educational reform

Abstract

One of the critical challenges that faces societies today is how to educate children and young people to cope with the ever demanding contexts in which they live. This education must include the relationships and support that facilitate socio-emotional development. This writing explores the work of Pestalozzi, a pioneering pedagogue, who, over two hundred years ago, challenged the existing notions of schooling and educational practices. Basing his work on pedagogies of love and care, he instinctively knew and was committed to educational practices which have influenced many who came after him and have since been validated by neuroscience and research into child development and psychology. Pestalozzi’s work remains an exemplary, reminder of what is important in education for the holistic development and growth of children and young people as neoliberal agenda increasingly dominates educational systems prioritizing ‘head’ over ‘heart’ and ‘hand’ and eliminating the moral purpose of educating for democracy.