Discussion Questions for Journal of Humanistic Psychology Articles

Here are some questions for our discussion of the Journal of Humanistic Psychology articles.

Joy

1. Many of the authors discuss emotions, the affective dimension, as a critical component of learning. John Watt, for example, speaks of education of “the heart and the mind.” Glenn Whitlock asserts that feelings precede knowledge. What is the role of emotions in the teaching and learning experience at innovative colleges?

2. Over the years, innovative colleges have come up against various stereotypes and image problems (e.g., perceptions of the campuses as weird, far-out, hippie places) – how have stereotypes impacted innovative higher education? How do we deal with this?

3. Frank Blume describes students as “Gooeys” and “Pricklies” – what do you think of these characterizations and the methodology that he employs? To what extent are the students’ changes during college attributable Johnston’s personal growth groups vs. the students’ own characteristics or maturation?

4. Tom Greening addresses issues of power and coercion – what do you see as the benefits of these dynamics in higher education. How does Greening’s discussion fit in with the rest of the articles that we read?

5. What was your overall impression of the articles? Would you say that these voices are an accurate reflection of Johnston College circa 1981 – what should be added/removed? What is missing from the discussion?