Humanistic Approach in Irena Wojnar’s Pedagogical Ideas (in the Context of “Weaving the Human Fabric”)

Abstract

Introduction: Analyses of arguments in favour of up-to-dateness and mission of humanistic education, in consideration of the present-day reality, have identified diversified global threats, aggravating crisis of growth and affluence, fall of the hierarchy of values, shortcomings of educational activities, contemporary changes in philosophy, reconstruction of human identity and other challenges of the coming years.
Research Aim: This paper is intended to briefly present the humanistic aspects of education pursued by professor Irena Wojnar, to present inspirations and assumptions of this approach to education, and to discuss its specificity and status, as well as growing significance in the consolidation of the humanistic countenance of contemporary world. It was based on the analysis of texts, educational achievements and initiatives in which the scholar was engaged, as well as her statements given in the published interviews.
Evidence-based Facts: The first part of the paper, making use of a traditional research design, highlights the underlying theses and conceptual categories of the theory of aesthetic education/education through art, inspired by the assumptions of culture pedagogy and supported by the humanistic learning theory. The second part attempts to present selected elements of the concept of humanistic education, approached as an instrument used in fighting in the defence of humanism and condition of the humankind, and creating educational conditions to ensure a better future.
Summary: Professor Irena Wojnar elevated the significance of humanistic education in the creation of the vision of the world, as well as intentions of humanism as a philosophy and world view; she proposes person-centred perspectives of education in the complex contemporary reality which is not transparent and full of diverse threats of growth and affluence.