Welcoming, restoring, dwelling and parting

Larson (2009) indicates that “in recent years, several have suggested that education be thought of as an act of hospitality”. Think of a student required to undergo in vivo learning, in terms of Oden’s (2001) four movements of hospitality:

1.    Welcoming—the workplace mentor’s receiving of the student and sincere offer to serve.

2.    Restoring—involves addressing the student’s most immediate needs, for example, put the student at ease, giving the student an orientation and see to the student’s safety.

3.    Dwelling together—Oden calls it the “hospitality of presence”, the mentor’s demonstration of willingness to share her/his work knowledge, experiences and expertise; involving the student in day-to-day work happening and answering the student’s questions; but also asking the student’s opinions and listen to the student’s suggestions in terms of academic knowledge.

4.    Sending forth (parting)—Larsen (2009:49) explains that “this act of letting go is possible because the preceding acts of hospitality have empowered the guest, preparing her for her own responsibilities”. The mentor enables the student to complete the required work-integrated/in vivo learning; submit the necessary evidence of learning for assessment and move forward towards obtaining the qualifications and entering the community of practice.

Larson (2009:52-53) concludes “just think of the ways in which we could promote effective teaching and enhance student learning if we worked to create spaces … if we think of our work in terms of Oden’s (2001) four movements of hospitality”.

Larson, MH. 2009. Welcoming and restoring, dwelling and sending: creating a space of hospitality in faculty education. Journal of Faculty Development, 23(1), 48-53.

Oden, AG (Ed.). 2001. And you welcome me: a sourcebook on hospitality in early Christianity. Nashville, TN: Abingdon.

Comments

[Jenny Horsman]

This is fascinating - is there a way to find the full article on line? I'm not having much luck. Would love to read it - what a great resource - thanks for summarizing it here! Jenny