Decolonising learning: Towards authentic non-performative education

Whilst companies and governments almost always extol the virtues of technological development and present this to be synonymous to human development, in reality, rarely is any technological or scientific innovation value neutral. Within the context western colonialism, we can see how technological developments across a range of fields, are rarely benign. As for education systems, and higher education in particular, until past 100 years or so, because these were largely the preserve of the privileged male elites, huge blind spots existed about their complicity with the forces and structures of exploitation. Indeed, until very recent times, within academia, ideas about genetically or biologically endowed innate higher intelligence of white middle men was an implicit norm.

Coupled with this elitist view of human difference was also a pedagogical approach that was largely based on rote learning and transmission of ‘knowledge’ that had changed little since the establishment of Plato’s academy.  However, with the expansion and diversification of higher education, coupled with the rapid development of new information technologies and online learning, we are living through disruptive times and accordingly the main focus of this session will be exploring some of the pitfalls and possibilities that the online world offers, specifically in relation to decolonising learning.

Until past 100 years or so, because these were the preserve of the privileged male elites, blind spots existed about their complicity with the forces and structures of exploitation. Within academia, ideas about genetically or biologically endowed innate higher intelligence of white middle men was an implicit norm. Coupled with this was also a pedagogical approach largely based on rote learning and transmission of ‘knowledge’. This session will seek to challenge some taken for granted preconceptions by advocating a shift towards nurturing wisdom and values-based education in order to prepare students to meet their global challenges.

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