Pastoral Care in Education· 2026Q2· Review
Care and pastoral provision within a distance-based postgraduate learning in initial teacher education (ITE): a research review
- 1citations
- Q2SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
This review argues that care theory, conceptualized as relational practices fostering mutual recognition and holistic development, is crucial for postgraduate distance learning in initial teacher education (ITE). It highlights the under-researched role of caring academics in virtual settings and the importance of human connection for student success.
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Key points
- Care is an under-researched pedagogical agent in higher education, particularly in postgraduate distance learning.
- The role of the caring academic in providing pastoral care within virtual postgraduate learning is institutionally undervalued.
- Care is conceptualized as relational practices that foster mutual recognition, growth, and holistic development.
- The paper applies care theory to distance-based ITE, emphasizing the importance of human connection and belonging in virtual settings.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
The concept of care as an underpinning pedagogical agent of support to students is a complex yet under-researched matter in higher education. Similarly, under-researched and institutionally undervalued is the pivotal role that the caring academic fulfils in imbuing pastoral care within postgraduate distance learning provision to enable successful learning and positive outcomes. This article examines the conceptual basis of care within face‑to‑face and virtual learning and teaching within postgraduate initial teacher education (ITE). The theoretical basis of the paper rests on care as a set of relational practices that may foster mutual recognition, growth and holistic development, positioning it within the context of distance learning and therefore placing a distinct value on the importance of human connection and belonging in a virtual world, a much under-theorised phenomenon. The significant and original contribution of this paper is through, the application of theory to distance-based initial teacher education (ITE) and used as a basis for arguing and interrogating the application of care theory to care practice.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Pastoral Care in Education, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Education
EducationSocial Sciences