'Homo florens makes students think about new insights'

Several pilots of project Homo Florens in the HEO have now started. The pilots are testing how the insights about the human image Homo florens can be used in teaching practice. Eveline Kapteijn will also soon start her pilot at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. What motivates her to participate and what the pilot looks like, you can read in this blog!

Awareness creating human images

It is important for students to learn to see different perspectives and not blindly and unconsciously assume that everyone is simply Homo economicus is, Eveline believes. The human image Homo economicus explains human behavior with the idea that people are motivated only by profit maximization. The human view Homo florens on the other hand, argues that people also have other motivations, such as connection with others and nature. "We have to ask ourselves whether the Homo economicus is still sufficient and does not need to be supplemented. The humanity of the Homo florens prompts students to consider the new understandings of the meaning economy and the circular economy. That also influences behavior."

Preconditions

Eveline is motivated to participate in Project Homo Florens because the new view of man is an important step in solving the major problems of our time: "We always had the Homo economicus. It used to be possible because we thought we could make unlimited profits without thinking about the consequences. Now we are aware of the boundary conditions we cannot avoid, such as the limitedness of the earth and the multitude of people. If you look at how resources were used in the 1980s and 1990s and how we are deforesting, you can see that it cannot be unlimited. We need to think about how to be more respectful of the earth's capacity to ensure its continuity. When the integral connections between the problems of our time are seen, you start thinking like a Homo florens."

In addition, Eveline sees that the human image Homo economicus less room for connection with others: "People have to fit into a system in this, and if you don't fit into the system, it may not be appreciated. This causes people to exhibit desirable behaviors but you get dissatisfied people. That can't be the intention. Systems should be supportive and should not lead to a certain behavior. You can prevent this by talking to each other and being connected as a Homo florens."

Gay florens lesson plans

This is something Eveline wants to implement in the short term by looking at how Homo florens fits into curricula. In particular, she sees opportunities in a lesson plan that may be developed. The lesson plan explains the humanities curriculum for teachers. "One teacher can use that in study career counseling, another teacher can use that in an introduction to economics, or someone talking about sustainability can use it there. Then that way you can reach a lot of people who are going to think that way, integrally. So you can integrate it into an education. In the long run, it has to go into a teacher's behavior."

Connection

There is profit to be made because, according to Eveline, it fits well with what people are doing now: "Now the idea is 'I want a cell phone,' 'I'm not going to eat less meat because my neighbor doesn't either so why should I?' but if you don't start it yourself, you'll never get a we mentality. With a we mentality, for example, you start thinking together about eating less meat. That way you can engage in conversation and move forward."

Curious about more information and materials? Then check out here. Would you also like to enrich your teaching with the insight that thinking from a different view of humanity provides and would you do a pilot for this, or would you like to think along with teachers who are already doing this? Mail Giuseppe van der Helm via giuseppe@lerenvoormorgen.org.

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