Eager to better understand the unseen pitfalls of well-intended actions in education? Dive into a thought-provoking session with Barbara Oakley as she unravels the concept of pathological altruism in the classroom. Discover the unintentional harms it can bring to students, teachers, and the wider school community. Subscribe now to gain invaluable insights and ensure your goodwill genuinely uplifts those you aim to help!

Altruism is commonly viewed as a commendable trait. However, when it results in unintended harm, it’s termed pathological altruism. Within the education sector, this phenomenon emerges when well-meaning teachers inadvertently cause harm to students or others. Examples include inadvertently encouraging negative student behaviors, persistently using unverified methods to combat bullying, or prioritizing one student’s needs at the expense of others. Additionally, teachers can unintentionally harm themselves and their families due to the excessive demands of their profession.

In this presentation, educator and author Barbara Oakley delves into the concept of pathological altruism in education. She’ll highlight its potential repercussions for students, teachers, administrators, and parents. Oakley will provide insights for educators on circumventing pathological altruism, ensuring their assistance truly benefits the students.