Abstract

In a time in which the academic world mirrors the challenges and crises of the wider world, we consider and advocate for joy-centred pedagogy. Studying three educational spaces under one departmental umbrella, we connect the sensual and experiential aspects of attuning to joy. We share the ways in which joy is not a destination. Rather, joy emerges in higher educational settings when we share in the practices that are connective and focused. We expound on three examples of joy-centred pedagogy in higher education: a sex-ed learning placement for pre-service teachers taught and experienced through the lens of pleasure and joy; joy/pleasure-centred bubble painting within an arts education research group; and a joy/pleasure-centred education graduate course where bodies push against the edge of AI. Themes such as experiential sensuous learning, care in community, and curiosity serve to help identify what incites joy in teaching and learning.