Humanistic Education for the Future 'Crime Fighters'

Mark David Chong

James Cook University, Queensland, Australia.

Abstract:

Aspiring to a life of crime fighting is a challenging but noble calling, and consequently, the educating of our future police, correctional, probation, parole, child protection, crime prevention, and youth justice officers, to name just a few, is an absolutely critical task if we want to live in a community that is not only safe but also one that allows for its members to flourish and grow. Given this imperative, the process of moulding our next generation of crime fighters in North Queensland must strive not only to impart knowledge and know-how - it should also endeavor to bring to the surface their nobler selves, the best of what it means to be human. It has to go beyond merely educating the mind, and must likewise invigorate their body and inspire their spirit. Employing a humanistic teaching philosophy that is primarily student-centered in nature, and premised on genuinely caring for their well-being and progress, allows for a more effective transmission of not only facts and figures, but also of values, attitudes, and an appropriate ethos necessary for their future careers in the criminal justice system.

Keyword:

Humanistic Pedagogy, Student-Centered Teaching, Crime Fighting, North Queensland, Australia.