Presence in teaching

Bibliographic Data

ID23329014
AuthorsCarol R Rodgers (0000-0002-7447-3092, University at Albany, State University of New York, corresponding author), Miriam Raider-Roth (0000-0003-3811-8429, Albany State University), Miriam B Raider‐Roth (University at Albany, State University of New York)
Year2006
Volume12
Issue3
Pages265-287
Publication date2006-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueTeachers and Teaching (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1354-0602 • E-ISSN: 1470-1278
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13450600500467548
OpenAlexW2166317979
LanguageEN
Citations received67
References cited35

This article articulates a theory of ‘presence’ in teaching and seeks to establish a theoretical foundation for presence that can serve as a platform for further research. It seeks to address the current educational climate that sees teaching as a check list of behaviors, dispositions, measures, and standards, and to articulate the essential but elusive aspect of teaching we call presence. Presence is defined as a state of alert awareness, receptivity, and connectedness to the mental, emotional, and physical workings of both the individual and the group in the context of their learning enviroments, and the ability to respond with a considered and compassionate best next step. The article is divided into four sections and explores existing conceptions of presence: presence as self‐awareness, presence as connection to students, and presence as connection to subject matter and pedagogical knowledge. Within each section the role that context plays in a teacher’s ability to be present is also explored. The authors draw upon papers and stories from student teachers, interview data from children and experienced teachers, and stories from a study group of experienced educators that explored the notion of presence on three different occasions. They conclude by connecting presence to the essential purpose of teaching and learning, the creation of a democratic society.

Context (archaeology) · Foundation (evidence) · Mathematics education · Pedagogy · Political science · Social connectedness · Subject (documents) · Computer Science · Educational and Psychological Assessments · Innovative Education and Learning Practices · Psychology · Social Psychology · Teacher Education and Leadership Studies

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Open DOISci-HubOpen Access