Essay Sample about Nel Noddings

Nel Noddings states in Caring: A Feminine Approach to Ethics and Moral Education (1984), “The student is infinitely more important than the subject matter” (p. 176). For many years, educational theorists have discussed the importance of educating life-long learners and how to approach student learning, without taking into consideration the individual student. Nel Noddings is an inspirational educator and advocate for the importance of creating caring individuals in the classroom. 

Importance in Education

Contributions

Nel Noddings is an American philosopher, educator, and feminist who contributed influential ideas and reforms to education. Noddings (2002) describes education as, “...a constellation of encounters, both planned and unplanned, that promote growth through the acquisition of knowledge, skills, understanding, and appreciation” (p. 283). Noddings explains the importance of education in schools and at home by focusing more on student's individuality; rather than the context of standards expected for each state. To utilize ethical care in the classroom, Noddings implements four methods: modeling, dialogue, practice, and confirmation. Students look up to adults for guidance, and educators need to implement ways they show their care towards their students by engaging and building relationships with students. Overall, Noddings provided another viewpoint of the importance of developing independent students and responsible individuals in society. 

Many historical figures have shaped education and changed the perspective of how educators need to approach student learning. My view as a future educator is similar to Nel Noddings' because I want to ensure my students trust me and build an inclusive environment. Zaretta Hammond (2015) states, “It is our responsibility to secret the right conditions for optimum learning” (p. 50). Noddings' philosophy allows educators to understand how crucial care is in the classroom. Also, it is essential to create an environment of inclusiveness, in which educators must be involved in learning their students. Education is more than teaching, but how educators inspire their students to chase their dreams and achieve success in their futures. 

Interview

Noddings' influence allows educators to evaluate how they approach their teaching and effectiveness for their students. If a teacher shows that they do not care for their students, students will provide the same attitude resulting in a negative relationship with the school. While Noddings creates opportunities and detail for the outlook for education, some questions I have are:

How should the education system change its curriculum to include care?

You mention how the home environment is the primary core in ethical care, where schools build more reinforcement; what if a child has a poor home environment? What is the role of the teacher in that situation?

How do you incorporate children with disabilities into your ethics of care? What methods should be implemented in general education teachers in the classroom?

You state, “But it is also important for children to learn in groups that are not organized by ability” (Montclair State University Donors, 2021, para. 10). When teachers incorporate centers into their literacy lessons, what is a better approach to put students in groups?

Many educational philosophers believe in student-centered learning and how development plays a role in a student's ability in the classroom. Does your philosophy of ethical care have different objectives for each grade?

Why was care ethics disregarded by other theorists? 

In a situational dialogue, how should educators approach students who are disrespectful to their peers? 

What are the steps in creating an inclusive classroom and building trust within the environment? 

Can you explain the natural caring method because every student comes from a different background, so natural care differs for each culture? 

How do your theories contribute to older grade levels in the classroom? Building trust with a high school student is a different approach compared to an elementary school child.

In response to societal reforms in education, Noddings' beliefs provide an insightful perspective of creating a welcoming environment for students to succeed. Teachers need to be aware of how they interact with their students and the steps to understand student interests. When students learn that they can trust you, your community of learners and relationships with students will allow students to reach out for help. Given the world’s current state, one piece of advice Noddings would give is loving your job because if you have a negative attitude towards your job, it reflects in the classroom. Noddings would also recommend future teachers to focus on the individuality of a student rather than their weaknesses. If a teacher gives students a feeling that they do not believe in them, they will stop believing in themselves. Noddings became a professor in 1986, which is 1987, the National Board Certification produced standards for students to know by each grade level. Noddings would explain the importance of being aware of current political and social issues in the community because educators are continually learning and adapting new strategies into our curriculum. Furthermore, educators need to be mindful of inclusiveness in the classroom by building positive relationships with students. 

Song Relationship

Noddings' influence on education correlates with the song All In It by Justin Bieber. Bieber (2015) states, “And don’t do nothin’ ‘less your heart’s in it” (track 18), explaining the importance of doing what will make you happy and doing it with all your heart. Noddings' philosophy correlates with the song because the teachers who love their jobs, build effective relationships in their classroom. The difference between a good teacher and a great teacher is the teachers who impact their students' lives by creating an innovative curriculum that engages all students. 

Discussion

Education is continually changing with implements of different strategies to encourage student success in the classroom. Many influential historical figures impacted our education system, but Nel Noddings gave a new perspective for educators. Noddings focuses on students and caring for the students in your classroom by getting to know your students. In conclusion, teachers play an impactful role in the classroom by shaping life-long and caring individuals encouraging students to make a difference in society.