Teacher Professionalism in Realizing Love-Based Adaptive Pedagogy: A Nel Noddings ‘Ethics of Care’ Perspective

Husnul Khotimah; Reza Ahmad Adi Anwar; Shofi Baqiyatus Sholikhah

Authors

Husnul Khotimah Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Syekh Wasil Kediri, Indonesia
Reza Ahmad Adi Anwar Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Syekh Wasil Kediri, Indonesia
Shofi Baqiyatus Sholikhah Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Syekh Wasil Kediri, Indonesia

Keywords:

Ethics of Care Nel Noddings, Teacher Professionalism, Adaptive Pedagogy, Love-Based Education, Caring

Abstract

Shifting learner characteristics and needs require teachers to develop instruction that is adaptive, responsive, and humanistic. Nel Noddings’ ‘Ethics of Care’ perspective offers a foundation for understanding care as an integral part of ethical relationships in education. This study aims to analyze teacher professionalism in realizing a ‘Love-Based Adaptive Pedagogy’ through the lens of the Ethics of Care. Employing a library research methodology, the study examines literature concerning the Ethics of Care, teacher professionalism, adaptive pedagogy, and Love-Based Education. The findings indicate that caring serves as the ethical foundation of adaptive pedagogy, as it enables teachers to recognize and respond to learners' needs. Noddings’ four caring practices, that is modeling, dialogue, practice, and confirmation, can serve as mechanisms for tailoring instructional strategies, interactions, activities, and support. The study constructs a "Love-Based Adaptive Pedagogy” model that integrates the Ethics of Care, caring, teacher professionalism, and instructional adaptation to create meaningful learning experiences. This implies that teacher professionalism encompasses not only the mastery of pedagogical, personal, social, and professional competencies but also the ability to build relationships that are responsive to learners' needs. Developing teacher professionalism is essential to strengthening the dimensions of care, communication, reflection, and responsiveness, thereby making instruction more adaptive and humane.

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