Symposium: Introducing the joy of learning in a world of diversities

According to Seneechal (2017), joy is not the same as cheer, happiness, or even enjoyment. It does not always manifest itself in smiles and laughter, but it is a happiness that goes beyond regular happiness; it has to do with a quality of perception—of seeing and being seen, of hearing and being heard (ibid). Learning should incorporate all these. As asserted by Boeree (1998), one would have expected that the ease with children learn would be extended into their adolescence and adulthood. However, the reverse is the case. Experience has shown that bringing back joy into learning must focus on students’ readiness to learn, making the subject of learning important, and making it meaningful to students. In this symposium, we argue   that the joy of learning may be totally challenged or excluded in a diverse world, if identity and individual differences are not taken into account. If care is not taken those who are minorities and/or are different could have the joy of learning taken away from them.
Using qualitative research methods and the theory of change as the theoretical framework, our presentations focus on major aspects of complex diversities that often confront education in emerging economy contexts where issues of equality, equity and social justice are more profound. We sought to answer the question “What ensures the joy of learning in a complex world?”
The first paper titled “Global perspectives on learning from and with others” focuses on the need for collaboration, interactive processes and flexible curriculum to achieve the joy of learning.
The second paper titled “Embracing diversity in teaching and learning contexts as an avenue for promoting the joy of learning” discusses role of individual differences in the teaching and learning environment and how a paradigm shift on negative view of diversity could be what is needed to fully actualise the joy of learning in post-colonial Sub-Saharan Africa.
The third paper titled “The re-designing of a distance B.Ed. (Hons) program in a challenging technology environment: Restoring the joy of learning”, discusses the strategies associated with the use of technology in challenging contexts.