My background in education and training, with experience in a range of industries, has taught me a great deal about various methods and styles of delivering education to young people, teachers and the general public. As an individual who advocates for progressive, inclusive thinking and learning, I favor a 'holistic' approach to our education system.
Holistic education focuses on intellectual, emotional, social, physical, creative and spiritual potentials. It engages students in the teaching and learning process. A key goal is to develop life-long learners capable of thinking at a systemic level.
Holistic education encourages personal and collective responsibility while honing critical-thinking skills in an effort to examine the moral, cultural and political context of one's life --from a world view.
The aspects of spirituality in Holistic Education are of particular interest to me. Humanity is losing connection with the unseen aspects of our existence.
Spirituality is defined as 'a state of connectedness to all life. The honoring of diversity in unity. It's an experience of being, belonging and caring; sensitivity and compassion; joy and hope. Its purpose strives for harmony between inner and outer life; to create a sense of wonder and reverence for the mysteries of the universe, and to experience the feeling of a purposeful life.
These are the values I believe move the human spirit towards its highest endeavors. The evolution of human potential.
Resources:
Ron Miller, founder of the journal Holistic Education Review (now entitled Encounter: Education for Meaning and Social Justice)
