New Handbook on Embodiment and Learning

Early December this year, a new handbook was released at Springer Nature in the research area "site-related kinesthetic teaching and learning" which deals with arts education and aesthetic learning processes. Nearly 40 researchers are involved from different continents.

The Palgrave Handbook of Embodiement and learning

The authors dig into questions of embodiment and learning – with a focus on the body as a tool in pedagogy and on its importance for learning. For example, in a speaking person’s diction and well-thought-out choice of words his/her feelings are conveyed, as well as his/her attitude, relationships and points of view. A person’s voice can appear as formal or informal, hermetic or open, serious or light-hearted, funny or somber. What social relationships are created through the voice, or through gazes? How can the classroom be used as a stage? Etc.

The authors in this handbook question familiar and established ways of looking at the importance of the body for learning – and introduce new perspectives on how corporeality can affect learning.

By placing the body at the center of pedagogical practice, also the concept of ‘tact’ is introduced as a central aspect of educational relations.

– With this book, we take further steps in developing our research area "site-related kinesthetic teaching and learning", says Anja Kraus who is one of the publishers. The book is part of a long-term collaboration with an international research group that is interested in questions about anthropological pedagogy.

– We hope that the book will contribute to making more people aware of the importance of the body in teaching and learning. It is primarily aimed at researchers in pedagogy and education, cultural studies and philosophy – as well as researchers in the social sciences. But we also hope others, who are curious about people in interaction, will have a great retention of the book.

Download The Palgrave Handbook of Embodiement and learning