Flocking as a strategy for collective well-being
Interview with Prof. Liesel Ebersöhn
Speakers
Professor Liesel Ebersöhn from the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Pretoria. Professor Ebersöhn is also the Director of the Centre for the Study of Resilience and the Secretary-General of the World Education Research Association. Her most recent book, “Flocking Together: An Indigenous Psychology Theory of Resilience in Southern Africa,” was published in 2019, and discusses what we can draw on, in a truly South African way, to adapt to hardship.
Prof. Liesel Ebersöhn
Mr Karl Schmidt is the Deputy Principal at St James R.C. Primary in Kalk Bay, Cape Town. Karl has many years of teaching experience. Aside from his passion for teaching, Karl loves to spend his leisure time hiking and enjoying the beautiful Cape scenery. Karl brings his strength of spirituality, humility, and love of learning to his teaching.
Mr. Karl Schmidt
Key Takeaways
- Flocking is about adapting to obstacles in a resilient way that is truly African.
- South African schools already do ‘flocking’ – the idea is to map and build on what is currently being done.
- We can do mapping through collaboration, consensus, and implementation, and in implicit and explicit ways.
Action Ideas
- One school holds a ‘gratitude’ breakfast at the end of a year, where staff have a chance to express what they were thankful for during the
year. - Training is conceptualised as “flocking,” where staff look at what training has worked well, and what form and content would be most effective for them during the year.
Resources
- Book: Flocking Together: An Indigenous Psychology Theory of Resilience in Southern Africa. by Liesel Ebersöhn
Thank you for listening!
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