Contact with (a) Child

Sept 2022- Feb 2028

Supervisors

Main supervisor: Professor Tone Sævi, VID Specialized University
Co-supervisor: Professor Liv Ingrid Aske Håberg, NLA Høgskolen

About the project

This study explores contact as an existential, pedagogical phenomenon. Existential because contact, as such, concerns us all as human beings in our encounters with others, regardless of our background; and pedagogical because, the older generation always ‘wants’ something with the younger generation. Contact is vital for every one of us, no matter who we are.

By exploring contact phenomenologically and pedagogically, this project seeks to delve deeper into—and possibly challenge—the prevailing emphasis in today’s kindergartens and schools on the development of a functional, age-typical ‘spoken’ language in children. While a good and adequate spoken language is, of course, necessary, human contact and meaning making may take many forms, and fundamental contact does not necessarily depend on speech.

Adopting a phenomenological pedagogical approach, the study explores educators’ lived experiences of seeking and receiving contact with children. In doing so, the project aims to deepen our understanding of pedagogical contact as foundational for pedagogy, pedagogical relations and meaning making in the lifeworld of an adult and a child in educational institutions.

Background

Master of Philosophy in Education from NLA University College

Forskergruppe

Basic questions in professional education and practice (GRUPP)