We began our collaboration in 2015 when Ken was exploring ways to integrate relational orientation in education, and when Scherto was frustrated that there seemed to be no alternatives to the domination of standardisation in education. Our own dialogue has first led to a book entitled Beyond the Tyranny of Testing: Relational Evaluation in Education, and then it takes us to the current project aimed at working with worldwide educators to transform education towards placing the relational process at the centre of learning, being and becoming. Please join us.
President of the Taos Institute, and Senior Research Professor at Swarthmore College.
Ken is internationally known for his contributions to social construction theory, technology and cultural change, the self, and relational practices. His major writings include Realities and Relationships: Soundings in Social Construction (Harvard University Press), The Saturated Self: Dilemmas of Identity in Contemporary Life (Basic Books), and Relational Being: Beyond Self and Community (Oxford University Press). Gergen is a major figure in the development of social constructionist theory and its applications to practices of social change. He also lectures widely on contemporary issues in cultural life, including the self, technology, postmodernism, the civil society, organizational change, developments in psychotherapy, educational practices, aging, and political conflict. Gergen has published over 300 articles in journals, magazines and books. Gergen lectures throughout the world and has received numerous awards for his work, including honorary degrees in both the U.S. and Europe.
Professor of Research / Director, Global Humanity for Peace Institute, University of Wales Trinity St David.
As a Researcher, Scherto’s interests centre on understanding peace, ecology of well-being and human flourishing as holistic and dynamic processes. As a Writer, Scherto contributes to topics including human-centred education, positive peace, deep dialogue, ecology of well-being, narrative pedagogy, dialogic and collaborative approach to global governance. As an Educator, Scherto teaches on both Masters’ and Doctoral programmes and offers a wide range of seminars and lectures on topics around human-centred education, peace education, ecology of well-being, and dialogic and relational approach to educational evaluation. As a Facilitator, Scherto creates space for deep listening and generative dialogue with others towards better understanding of global challenges.
Education as Relating The world is ready … the future is at hand … for replacing assembly-line classrooms with the vitalising powers of relating. The directions are clear: from standardisation to co-creation, from control to an invitation to dialogue, and from regimentation to collaboration. Here lie the wellsprings of creativity, caring, and curiosity.
Relational Education 