What does 'mal-estar' mean in the context of education, and how can it be used to improve educational practices?

The concept of 'mal-estar,' introduced by Rinaldo Voltolini, acknowledges that discomfort and challenges are inherent in education. Instead of viewing these tensions as negative roadblocks, they should be seen as opportunities for growth and innovation. Educators can address the root causes of challenges and develop effective strategies by acknowledging these complexities.

What practical steps can educators take to transform obstacles into opportunities using a psychoanalytic approach?

To transform obstacles into opportunities, educators should: acknowledge the 'mal-estar,' embrace complexity by avoiding simple solutions, focus on emotional development by prioritizing well-being, encourage self-reflection to develop critical thinking, and promote resilience to equip students to navigate challenges.

How does Freud’s exploration of civilization and its discontents apply to the challenges and imperfections inherent in education?

Embracing Freud’s ideas means accepting that education inherently involves tensions and imperfections, much like civilization itself. Educators should move beyond superficial fixes to engage with the complex aspects of student development, fostering individual growth and resilience rather than striving for an unattainable, idealized environment.

How can focusing on individual growth and resilience lead to a more supportive and empowering learning environment?

By shifting the focus from achieving an impossible ideal to fostering individual growth and resilience, the educational landscape can become more supportive and empowering. This involves recognizing unique strengths and challenges, tailoring instruction to meet specific needs, and willingness to experiment with new approaches while learning from mistakes. This creates a more nuanced and effective educational environment.

Classroom with tree desks symbolizes growth and potential.

Navigating the Impossible: How to Find Possibilities in Education's Toughest Challenges

Q: How does psychoanalytic theory help in understanding the challenges in education?

Psychoanalytic theory suggests that educational difficulties are not merely problems to be solved but symptoms of deeper, often unconscious, issues. By understanding these underlying dynamics, educators can develop more effective interventions and create environments that foster emotional resilience and self-awareness.

Elliot Brynn in Mind & Education August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore how reframing educational obstacles through a psychoanalytic lens can reveal innovative approaches to foster resilience and growth in students."

In today's rapidly evolving world, the educational landscape is fraught with challenges that often seem insurmountable. From societal pressures to technological disruptions, educators and families face a myriad of obstacles that can leave them feeling overwhelmed and disillusioned. This article delves into how these 'impossible' scenarios can be approached with fresh perspectives, drawing insights from psychoanalytic theory to uncover hidden possibilities within the educational process.

The concept of 'mal-estar' or unease in education, as highlighted by Rinaldo Voltolini, suggests that inherent tensions exist within the system. Rather than viewing these tensions as roadblocks, we can see them as opportunities for growth and innovation. By acknowledging the discomfort and complexities, educators can begin to address the root causes of these challenges and develop more effective strategies for engaging students.

Inspired by Freud’s exploration of civilization and its discontents, this discussion aims to reframe our understanding of education. Instead of striving for an idealized, harmonious environment, we embrace the idea that education, like civilization, inherently involves navigating tensions and imperfections. This perspective encourages educators to move beyond superficial fixes and engage with the deeper, more complex aspects of student development.

Transforming Obstacles into Opportunities: A Psychoanalytic Approach

Classroom with tree desks symbolizes growth and potential.

Psychoanalytic theory offers a unique lens through which to view the challenges in education. It suggests that many of the difficulties we encounter are not simply problems to be solved but rather symptoms of deeper, often unconscious, issues. By understanding these underlying dynamics, educators can develop more nuanced and effective interventions.

One of the key insights from psychoanalysis is the recognition that education is not just about imparting knowledge; it is also about shaping individuals' emotional and psychological development. This means that educators must be attuned to the emotional needs of their students and create an environment that fosters emotional resilience and self-awareness.

Acknowledge the 'Mal-Estar': Recognize that discomfort and challenges are inherent in the educational process.
Embrace Complexity: Avoid seeking simple solutions to complex problems. Instead, engage with the underlying dynamics at play.
Focus on Emotional Development: Prioritize creating an environment that supports students' emotional well-being and self-awareness.
Encourage Self-Reflection: Help students develop the capacity for self-reflection and critical thinking.
Promote Resilience: Equip students with the skills and mindset they need to navigate challenges and setbacks.

Moreover, by shifting the focus from achieving an impossible ideal to fostering individual growth and resilience, educators can create a more supportive and empowering learning environment. This involves recognizing each student's unique strengths and challenges and tailoring instruction to meet their specific needs. It also requires educators to be willing to experiment with new approaches and to learn from their mistakes.

Moving Forward: Practical Steps for Educators and Parents

In conclusion, navigating the 'impossible' challenges in education requires a shift in perspective. By embracing a psychoanalytic approach, educators and parents can move beyond superficial fixes and engage with the deeper, more complex aspects of student development. This involves acknowledging the inherent tensions within the educational system, prioritizing emotional well-being, and fostering resilience. Ultimately, by transforming obstacles into opportunities, we can create a more supportive and empowering learning environment for all students.