Pedagogy of Authenticity in the Online Learning Environment

Abstract

Genuineness, or authenticity, has long been established as the core attribute of excellent teachers. To reach their diverse learners, caring educators build genuine connections. Congruence has been described as the core condition for a meaningful learning and restorative growth, along with unconditional positive regard and empathetic understanding. While ample research has been generated on effectiveness in online education, few studies have focused on the notion and transferability of genuineness in the virtual classroom. This chapter presents a review of the interdisciplinary literature on authenticity, explores its link to diversity, and discusses the ways of cultivating authenticity online. It explores how faculty integrate the holistic self into course content, the virtual environment, and student interaction, and concludes with a review of best practices in course design and facilitation that convey authentic care for students online.