Page 8 - VIS - Newsletter

October/2023

WHAT IS HOLISTIC EDUCATION?

The value and scope of holistic education in a (c) respecting those who may speak with courage
residential school can be understood by from a place of vulnerability,

pondering three important elements that are (d) encouraging responsible expressions of
necessary in a holistic school ecosystem: the discontent,
engaged classroom, collegial learning and (e) inviting feedback,
nurturing students individually. (f) respecting diversity.

The Engaged Classroom Nurturing Students
Students actively learn in environments where The foundation of classical education in ancient
they experience autonomy and freedom from India was self-knowledge. Why? Because you
fear. Giving students autonomy involves giving cannot really be effective in nurturing integrated
choice to students through flexibility in human beings unless you yourself have embarked

assignments and projects and, more broadly, on the journey of self-knowledge.
adopting a "student-centric approach." Freedom
from fear comes naturally when the teacher From this inner orientation, the mentor can enable
listens without judgment and strives to create a the development of the students’ life skills and
safe but challenging classroom environment study skills, enhance the richness of their inner
where students can freely ask questions and lives and interpersonal relationships, and guide
engage in healthy debate. By the way, them to discover their passion - what they would
irresponsible behaviour has no place in the love to do in their lives.

engaged classroom, or anywhere else in the
school. AMRESH KUMAR - DEAN OF ACADEMICS
& STUDENT WELFARE, VIS.
Collegial Learning
The engaged classroom can readily become a

school-wide feature if a school actively STILL LIFE DRAWING
encourages collegial learning, which involves
teachers actively learning from each other. A
culture of slowed down, thoughtful conversation
is essential to our growth as educators, and as
human beings.
Here are some features of a culture of

conversation in school that may be worth
reflecting on:
(a) asking good questions rather than the right
question,
(b) listening so that others may speak and
speaking so that others may listen,
PARINIKA (9A)