What is Holistic Education?
Holistic education is a teaching approach that aims to meet the academic, social, emotional, and ethical needs of students in an integrated manner. This approach places a strong emphasis on creating a supportive learning environment that addresses students’ emotional, social, and ethical requirements. The focus of holistic education is on experiential learning and building relationships, fostering curiosity, and promoting psychological, social, and emotional growth.
Education professionals are searching for innovative ways to instruct kids effectively like never before. New and creative pedagogical approaches are being developed, as well as new educational ideologies. The National Education Policy 2020 has brought attention to a teaching philosophy that had previously gotten very little attention: the idea of holistic education.
Why is it important?
Experiential learning is at the heart of holistic education, which focuses on teaching about the connections that individuals make with one another. The center of the educational environment is thus formed by these relationships. Because it places a strong emphasis on establishing a learning environment that differs from that traditionally used in ancient times, holistic education is regarded as an alternative style of education. It fosters curiosity, improves social and communication skills, and motivates kids to learn a subject by applying their creative abilities. Learning becomes organic and interesting due to holistic education’s promotion of psychological, social and emotional growth. True to its name, holistic education emphasises the complete development of a learner rather than just rote learning.
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The NEP 2020 seeks to universalize education in its entirety from early childhood through secondary education. The New Education Policy 2020 aims to expand the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education, including vocational education, from 26.3% to 50% by 2035 in order to transform India into a “global knowledge superpower,” as the HRD Minister rightly says.
It is hoped that once the NEP gets implemented, children will benefit from the focus on balanced and all-around development from an early age. In fact, it is the need of the hour at a time when the health, happiness, and immunity of children are becoming increasingly important due to the pandemic.
Another important aspect is to merge school education with vocational education. The entire vocational education should be part and parcel of school education both administratively and conceptually and should be ideally located within the same premises for easy mobility and transition between the two. One can choose a vocation course as per one’s interest as part of the school curriculum and sharpen skills.
Benefits of Holistic Education
Holistic education, which is based on a learning idea, offers several advantages for students, teachers, schools, and communities by providing an integrated learning approach. It provides students the resources they need to improve their academic performance and develop the soft skills necessary for success in their careers.
Improved academic performance:
Holistic education can enhance academic performance by addressing individual learning styles and fostering a positive learning environment. When students feel connected to others and safe, their brain development improves.
Enhancement of emotional and mental well being:
A supportive environment that prioritizes social and emotional growth alongside academics helps students develop self-awareness, confidence, and a sense of social responsibility.
Boosted confidence:
Teacherscan build confidence in their students by providing them with opportunities to succeed and recognizing their unique skills. A comprehensive curriculum that treats all students equally is key to this.
We cannot deny the fact that each student must be good at core academic subjects. Teaching essential life skills is also crucial for personal growth and successful living. This helps students become confident and progressive thinkers.
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