James O’Higgins-Norman launches major international work on education in Melbourne
7 December 2009

Dr. James O’Higgins-Norman

DCU Education Studies lecturer and researcher Dr. James O’Higgins-Norman is the co-editor of a book that has been welcomed as likely to become the standard international reference in its field.

The International Handbook of Education for Spirituality, Care and Wellbeing, co-edited with Dr. Marian de Souza, of Australian Catholic University, Prof. Leslie J. Francis of Warwick University and Prof. Daniel G. Scott of University of Victoria, Canada, is published by Springer (Netherlands) in their international handbook series. It contains chapters from 60 leading analysts and educators in spirituality, care and wellbeing, representing 20 countries. James and Marian worked on the handbook with while Marion was a Visiting Research Fellow at DCU in 2008.

This book explores the dynamic relationship between education and wellbeing. It examines the theory underpinning the practice of education in different societies where spirituality and care are believed to be at the heart of all educational experiences. The book recognizes that, regardless of the context or type of educational experience, education is a caring activity in which the development of the whole person - body, mind and spirit - is a central aim for teachers and educators in both formal and informal learning.

As well as co-editing the book, James contributes a chapter on violence and conflict in schools. The handbook will be launched in Melbourne on the 1st of December by Prof. Peta Goldburg of the Australian Catholic University.