ABSTRACT

Education is in a constant state of renewal internationally where it responds to a number of pressing social, political and cultural issues. Processes of globalization, a number of conflicts and acts of terror, economic and environmental crises have led to large waves of migration and asylum seekers arriving in countries with the hope of finding safer and more stable places to settle. This, in turn, has led to cultural and religious pluralism being a key characteristic of many societies with corresponding issues of belonging and identity.

As well, for many people, there has been a shifting influence of and allegiance away from traditional religious frameworks with the emergence of new religious movements, both peaceful and violent, and a rise in popularity of spirituality and non-religious worldviews which provide alternate frameworks for living healthy and ethical lives. In order to prepare today’s student for tomorrow’s world, one which is confronted by a range of risks and crises and which is being shaped by rapidly changing technologies, educators and researchers are investigating new ways of equipping students to deal with these challenges and opportunities, including the nurturing of spiritual wellbeing.

This book brings together the voices of many experienced educators to discuss ways to re-enchant education and re-enliven learning programs in response to these 21st century issues in an increasingly global and interconnected world. It examines a range of international contexts, including secular and religious educational settings, and provides an avenue for visionary voices that identify problems and offer solutions to help shape a more promising education system that will prepare children more constructively and beneficially to flourish in their future worlds.

chapter 1|6 pages

Introduction

chapter 4|12 pages

Spirituality in australian education

A legacy of confusion, omission and obstruction

chapter 7|13 pages

Being spiritually educated

chapter 9|13 pages

Music and spirit

Exploring a creative spiritual pedagogy

chapter 11|12 pages

Childhoods past and present

A reflexive approach to enhancing children’s spiritual wellbeing

chapter 12|14 pages

Educational reforms in Japan

Are they contributing to a sense of wellbeing and happiness among young people?

chapter 13|12 pages

Reflections on gender discrimination in the spiritual life of a muslim community

Gender in elementary and middle school religion textbooks in Turkey

chapter 17|14 pages

Nurturing the spiritual child

Recognising, addressing and nurturing spirituality in early years’ classrooms through a dispositional framework