ERIC Number: EJ1081286
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015-Dec
Pages: 28
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1052-5629
EISSN: N/A
Creating and Maintaining a Safe Space in Experiential Learning
Kisfalvi, Veronika; Oliver, David
Journal of Management Education, v39 n6 p713-740 Dec 2015
The increasing popularity of experiential learning in management education raises a number of new opportunities and challenges for instructors, particularly with regard to shifting instructor roles and attention to learning through one's emotions. In this article, we draw on psychodynamics--in particular D. W. Winnicott's notions of "transitional space" and "holding"--to delineate what a "safe space" might look like in a management education context. We propose that experiential learning can result in deeper learning when conducted in such a space, which consists of appropriate physical aspects, trust, respect, suspension of judgment and censorship, a willingness to share, and high-quality listening. We further propose that a safe space can be developed and maintained by creating a strong container early on, establishing ground rules, providing lessons in listening and witnessing, teaching by example, and developing a reflexive attitude.
Descriptors: Experiential Learning, Administrator Education, Psychological Patterns, Educational Environment, Teacher Role, Teacher Student Relationship, Emotional Response, Self Expression, Trust (Psychology), Listening Skills, Teaching Styles, Empathy, Teacher Attitudes, Reflective Teaching, Role Models
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2814
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A