Conscious Education

The idea of “conscious education” is emerging on the educational horizon – and it’s doing so in a rapid and inspiring fashion. Various fulltime schools, informal education sectors and community upliftment projects are integrating a holistic approach to teaching in order to meet the needs of a new generation of children – and the world

Most notable in conscious education are the core features that seem to be shared. Learning is student-centred, with the unique inner potential of each child being activated by experiential learning. Inclusive approaches to culture, religion and temperament eliminate the distraction of separation and foster universal priorities
of humanity and environment. The child’s overall wellbeing is the nucleus of education with a focus on their vitality, inner awareness and harmonious placement within community and nature.

As holistic awareness permeates these new projects and institutions, the very definition of intelligence is also shifting quickly. Recognizing multiple intelligences means children are encouraged to express, integrate and develop a myriad of intelligence tributaries.

Assessments, if any, are more qualitative than quantitative, and competition is a natural and enjoyable by-product of learning activities and no longer a driving motivation for achieving. Intra and interpersonal collaboration is proving to be a more effective fuel for sustainable motivation and community progress, while eliminating the “stress factor”.

Above all, new initiatives are inclined towards a joyful living experience of learning and inspiring the child’s heart. The learning process is seen increasingly as the substance of life itself, and not a preparation for some future life goals. Here we look at some of the older and newer educational structures presently in place at schools.

Read more in the December Issue of Complete Yoga – out now!