Paradoxical tensions in creating a teaching and learning space within a graduate education course on spirituality

Abstract

Until recently, spirituality within a university setting was associated with religious studies faculties. Today, it has spilled over into other faculties, such as nursing, business, social work and education. Conferences, research and courses within these professional faculties are increasing as professors and students seek to make meaningful connections between their studies and important life questions. This paper is a reflective account of instructing a graduate course, entitled Spirituality in the Workplace in a faculty of education. Its design and implementation is analyzed in order to better understand this unique learning situation, and to determine how educators within the higher education environment can continue to craft learning opportunities that potentially foster spiritual transformation within learners. Parker Palmer's (1998) six paradoxical tensions for creating a teaching and learning space are used as the guiding framework.