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A holistic learning environment approaches student development from a broad perspective.
For instance, you might let students discover how various issues might be solved using multiple tools and concepts, including multiplication, rather than approaching your class with the goal of having kids learn their multiplication tables.
As holistic learning is comprehensive and student-driven, it can be challenging for teachers to execute. In this article, we will discuss how you can teach a rigorous curriculum while also encouraging whole-mind development in your students.
Make a classroom where learning is holistic
Changing your classroom's structure is the first step in introducing holistic learning.
Students are not seated in the same spot every day in holistic classrooms. Instead, children wander around, so they can work together when necessary and alone when desired.
Flexible seating alternatives are expertly made by Mary Montero of Teaching with a Mountain View for students. There are plenty of rug alternatives for those who like to sit on the floor, and there are 28 students in her class. Students have the option of sitting on a cushion at a kneeling-height table or choosing a conventional desk and chair. Even sitting on stability balls is permitted throughout the class.
It's true that allowing pupils to choose their own seats in your class implies that you have faith in their independence.
You have to have faith that children will keep learning and working toward their educational objectives even if they are not seated in straight rows at desks.
"Teach More, Hover Less: How to Quit Micromanaging Your Secondary Classroom," by Miriam Plotinsky, asserts that a classroom devoid of micromanagement is not led by a task-oriented strategy.
"Teachers can more effectively manage the stresses of covering a curriculum if they prioritize learning goals and grasp the wider picture of what pupils need to know," according to research.
Provide students several ways to demonstrate their proficiency
Changing how students demonstrate their comprehension of the subject is the next step in adopting a holistic classroom.
For instance, a student with weak writing skills won't get good marks for essay reflections on a history course. It's not that they don't grasp the subject; rather, it's that they can't successfully demonstrate their understanding.
Giving pupils the freedom to take charge of their education allows them to demonstrate their understanding.
Jenn Breisacher at Student-Centered World believes that "without a feeling of student ownership and student agency, our children are missing out on developing a vital talent they will take with them throughout their lives: initiative."
On the contrary, teachers should conduct their lessons in a way that gives their pupils a sense of empowerment. Student choice is one of the finest methods to do this.
The essay by Sara Segar at Experiential Learning Depot is a fantastic resource. She wrote an article with more than 100 ways for kids to use their passions to show an understanding of a concept.
One student might, for instance, design a mural that features details from a significant historical event. As a means to demonstrate their understanding, they can present their mural design in class and discuss why they picked it that way. Some of the other students might produce a documentary, a map, or a puzzle. Using this procedure, the student has control over how they analyze and present the data.
Moreover, student choice differentiates the learning process. It keeps pupils from getting bored and losing interest in their studies.
According to English teacher Mary Davenport, "No kid feels that their independence and freedom are being recognized when they perform the same thing every single unit." This year, we included project-based, performative, and creative examinations rather than just repeating essay after essay. Every pupil was able to shine occasionally in a manner that was distinctively their own because of the variety.
Give students the freedom to select projects that appeal to them
Teachers at Allright.com know that a learner is more likely to become disengaged and distracted when they don't care about a subject or notion. They think about how to implement tasks that let students interact with the topics they need to cover through their interests. At AllRight.com teachers can use ready-made materials that help them to develop a learning approach, which is essential to holistic education.
Asking kids to create passion projects, which might span a few weeks or a full year, is one way.
The team at Inspirit AI claims that "passion projects allow high school students an opportunity to pursue their themes and interests outside the classroom in an ungraded fashion." Many ambitious high school kids spend their time concentrating on their studies and test scores, but through passion projects, these students are able to find time to pursue the interests that bring them joy.
Students may take some time to find their passions, but these projects let you connect practically any lesson to what the kids are interested in.
Consider starting a "genius hour" in your school on a smaller scale. Students are free to work on projects and research topics of interest during this open period.
According to Maddie from EdTech Classroom, "In a Genius Hour project, students have several weeks when they investigate themes of their choice and produce final products to share with the community—either their classroom community or the community at large." While there is no secret to producing a Genius Hour assignment, each student needs to concentrate on their interests and the overall goal.
Integrate lesson plans with practical experiences
Think of methods to help students relate what they are learning to situations and problems outside the classroom. This satisfies the age-old quandary of "when will we ever utilize this?" while simultaneously arousing pupils' interest in their surroundings.
According to Ayushi Singh from Teachmint, "We live in a world where everything and everyone is connected." Our daily learning can be increased by these links.
If students lack global interests and touchpoints, how can we expect them to find their passions and apply what they have learned?
Making connections between your lectures and the outside world also inspires kids to follow their academic interests and ask questions, which is crucial for holistic growth.
A pupil may approach a concept with trepidation. But, new ideas become less intimidating when people draw on their own interests and prior experience. Instead of being presented with unfamiliar knowledge, children can feel like they are expanding on something they already know.
Discuss the role that students play in society
A holistic education equips pupils to become contributing members of society as adults. This means that educators must assist students in comprehending their roles both within and outside the classroom. Till they are adults, students are not required to lead isolated lives in their classrooms. Even at a young age, they can influence others and take part in their communities.
According to Gal Beckerman, author of The Quiet Before: On the Surprising Origins of Radical Ideals, "It's amazing when youngsters become interested in a cause that impressions them and gets them enthusiastic, and if it comes from social media or anything they are seeing online, that's terrific."
"Parents can play a part in assisting their children in deciding what to do with it."
This parental position may also double as a teaching one.
Since students may be distracted by problems in their communities or genuinely interested in topics unrelated to the ones you need to address, this is another strategy teachers can use to keep them interested in the curriculum.
"Educational leaders may swiftly and efficiently find exactly how to keep their students engaged by having productive conversations and allowing students to contribute their thoughts, opinions, and viewpoints," writes Dara Fontein. "Students naturally become invested in their own learning experiences when they have a voice and the chance to contribute their opinions."
You can start incorporating different sorts of knowledge into your lesson plans when you treat learning like a network of interconnected concepts rather than like a train moving down a straight track.
Holistic learning has many interconnected moving parts. Teachers at AllRight.com know that they must take into account the layout of the classroom, the lessons that are taught, and the areas where students are free to pursue their own interests. When kids understand how to learn at a young age, they can continue their interests and passions throughout adulthood, which can establish a strong foundation for future learners.
