Subjectivity of teachers: mean of learning and teaching

Abstract

The issue of subjectivity has been extensively discussed of late. It permeates the ways individuals relate to the world, to their work, etc. In the teacher’s case, it affects their perspectives on their own education as well as their professional activity. However, educational systems seem to fail to acknowledge teachers’ personal and professional subjectivity. They are subjects that produce meanings in their learning and teaching processes. This study discusses theories and conceptions of teachers’ subjectivity and identity, drawing on meanings they produce in their learning and teaching processes with their family, their community, the school, or in their teaching education. A brief presentation of the sandplay technique with teachers illustrates how possible it is to make room for their production of meaning, which can overcome problems related to teaching education and, thus, improve the teaching and educational quality.