Teaching Death, Grief and Bereavement: (Elgar Guides to Teaching)

Taking a holistic approach, Neil Thompson and Gerry R. Cox propose a rich variety of methods for teaching death, grief and bereavement. Recognising the sensitivity and complexity of these issues, the authors have developed this guide to help teachers in higher and further education provide high-quality teaching and training around death and mortality, dying and end-of-life care and grief and bereavement. Thompson and Cox address the key challenges of teaching in these areas as well as the complex relationship between theory and practice, putting forward a ‘theorizing practice’ approach. Analysing the role of sociopolitical factors, such as gender and culture, the authors explore the differences between personal and collective responses to death and loss. The book also provides extensive practical guidance in the form of over 80 exercises, tips, advice on pitfalls to avoid, and handouts to be used in class. Teaching Death, Grief and Bereavement is a valuable resource for teachers and lecturers specialising in death, grief and bereavement, as well as educators in social work, social care, healthcare, nursing and counselling.

Table of Contents:
Contents Foreword xi Preface xiii Introduction to Teaching Death, Grief and Bereavement 1 PART I EFFECTIVE EDUCATION Introduction to Part I 7 1 Why am I learning this? 8 2 The central role of values 11 3 Critically reflective practice 15 4 Relating theory to practice 22 5 Learning to learn 27 6 The challenges of teaching about death, grief and bereavement 33 7 Getting started 39 PART II THE SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION Introduction to Part II 45 8 Incorporating the social dimension 46 9 Teaching about the sociological imagination 50 PART III DEATH AND MORTALITY Introduction to Part III 113 10 Death awareness 114 11 Teaching about death and mortality 119 PART IV DYING AND END-OF-LIFE CARE Introduction to Part IV 174 12 Preparing for the end 175 13 Teaching about dying and end-of-life care 180 PART V GRIEF AND BEREAVEMENT Introduction to Part V 207 14 The price we pay for love 208 15 Teaching about grief and bereavement 215 16 Conclusion to Teaching Death, Grief and Bereavement 261 References 264 Appendix 1: Guide to further learning 267 Appendix 2: Further teaching ideas 270 Appendix 3: Exercise contributors 273

About the Author :
Neil Thompson, Independent writer, educator and adviser and Visiting Professor at the Open University, UK and Gerry R. Cox, Emeritus Professor, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, USA

Review :
‘This volume is an exemplary contribution to the fields of thanatology and bereavement studies. It offers clear and accessible guidance on a challenging subject. One of the most commendable features of the book is its practical orientation. The authors bridge the gap between theoretical insights and real-world application by including chapters on reflective practice, the sociological imagination, and applied exercises. This integration ensures that educators can understand the content and effectively translate it into meaningful learning experiences. The authors’ extensive expertise shines through, providing readers with a rich blend of personal reflections, academic rigour, and practical advice. Including various exercises and teaching tools enriches the material, fostering a dynamic learning environment for students. Furthermore, the book’s emphasis on the emotional and ethical dimensions of teaching bereavement is particularly notable, highlighting the importance of sensitivity and self-awareness for educators. Overall, this text is a must-read for social work, psychology, and palliative care education professionals. It equips educators with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of grief education with integrity and compassion.' ‘Informed by a rich lifetime of work and years of experience as classroom-based educators, this book will serve as a valuable resource for instructors–whether new or more established–in the field of death, dying and bereavement. It is replete with a bounty of classroom exercises and practical guidance on delivering sessions from some of the world’s leading authorities in the field. I only wish it had existed when I first set out on my teaching journey!’ ‘This is a unique book. In nearly 50 years of teaching and writing in the field of death, dying, and bereavement, I do not believe I have seen a book with the distinctive qualities of this one.’