Thoughtful Engagement as Educational Framework: A Philosophy and Psychology Review

Priorities of public education systems are problematic in that they sacrifice effectiveness, meaningfulness, morality and empowerment in favor of neoliberal agendas and disiplinary instruction methods. An alternative framework is needed if education is to prepare its students to be mindful, compassionate, and active members of their society. This document proposes and explores a framework compiled from perspectives of pedagogy, philosophy and psychology best articulated as thoughtful engagement. The author asks: How would an educator foster thoughtfully engaged students? This framework reexamines the conditions under which students learn best and thrive in school settings. Understanding these conditions will help educators create the type of environments which allow for the innate capacity to develop into an educated and thoughtfully engaged citizen.