Publication Date
2026
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Abstract
This self-study examines my efforts to cultivate a positive learning environment in a capstone mathematics course for preservice middle school teachers. Motivated by earlier negative course evaluations and guided by heart-centered pedagogy, I explored how my beliefs, emotions, and instructional practices evolved as I sought to integrate kindness, foster mathematical thinking, and support students’ well-being. Drawing on dialogue transcripts, reflective journals, and reconstructed tutoring notes, I analyzed tensions between content coverage and relational pedagogy, as well as between deficit- and strength-based perspectives of students. Through critical dialogue and reflective inquiry, I gained deeper insight into my identity as a caring educator and the transformative potential of teaching with kindness and authenticity.
Recommended Citation
Lim, Kien. "Exploring Caring Pedagogy Through Self-Study: A Mathematics Educator’s Journey" Paper presented at the annual meeting of the AERA Annual Meeting, TBA, Los Angeles, CA Sun, Apr 5, 2026 Online
Publication Title
AERA Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, CA, 2026
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3102/2272339