Outcomes
A particular focus of the symposium was to provide a forum for discussion not only of the ethical aspects of humane education but also the practical issues of its implementation.
In the final session of the forum, delegates agreed on the potential for HEd to contribute to a more moral, responsible and ultimately more compassionate society and the value of its inclusion in classroom teaching.
Due to its broad education and values framework, school is considered to be an appropriate place for HEd. but for maximum benefit it should extend beyond the classroom to include parents and the wider social circle.
Ideally, discussion should be on the basis of balanced, well-researched information from different perspectives, with students given the opportunity to form their own conclusions. The life experiences and the opinions of students should be appreciated and respected.
The primary focus of the forum was HEd. in relation to animals in society. However, it was agreed that an ethical perspective, rather than a solely animal advocacy view is important. An ethical framework includes respect, justice as fairness and integrity and provides an appropriate approach for classroom discussion of contentious issues, should they arise, enabling teachers to move forward.
It was felt that involvement in curriculum preparation at the national level would assist the incorporation of humane education into the school curriculum and the consideration of greater compassion towards animals and our wider environment into the teaching of values.
In support of curriculum involvement, as well as for the benefit of others keen to work in the area, academic initiatives on humane education/values should be collated and published.
The Symposium inspired pre-service and practising teachers among the delegates keen to include HEd into their careers. To inspire and assist others, a HEd workshop was proposed, to provide more 'hands-on', experiential sessions. It would also provide the opportunity for participants to learn in more detail about the resources already in use, including how they are being implemented and help in the development of others. It would expand understanding and, in turn, implementation of humane education in the classroom.
Importantly, the forum brought together people of like minds, keen to meet others and to stay in touch with the purpose of facilitating and advancing the teaching of HEd in Australia.
Recommendations
On the basis of discussion and the practical nature of a number of the outcomes, the following developments were recommended:
- Proceedings of the Symposium
- The linking of Proceedings to appropriate websites/newsletters
- Establishment of an effective e-mail contact list for those keen to network in the area of humane/values education, particularly in regard to our relationship with animals and our mutual environment, initial contact Carole de Fraga
- Evaluation of classroom humane education initiatives and publication in the academic literature, initial contact via Dr Tania Signal and Dr Nik Taylor
- Organisation of a humane education workshop to provide more hands-on, experiential sessions, developing resources and providing more detail about the resources that are in use and how they are being implemented.
- Involvement in curriculum preparation at the national level for acceptance of a compassionate ethic towards animals in the curriculum, most appropriately within Values Education.
- Encouragement of universities to include a focus on values and moral development in their teacher education courses.
