Page 64 - March EW PDF 24

Teacher-2-Teacher

Introduction to

conscious learning

LINA ASHAR

N THE FAST-EVOLVING EDUCATION LANDSCAPE, Education is not merely about knowledge
there is a notable shift towards a holistic approach to
nurturing young minds. Education is not merely about delivery... Conscious learning is a new-
Iknowledge delivery but also about shaping students age pedagogy that prompts students
into well-balanced, resilient individuals attuned with their
inner selves. Conscious learning is a new age pedagogy to develop deep awareness of their
that prompts students to develop deep awareness of their thoughts, emotions and action
thoughts, emotions, and action.
Good education requires more than reading textbooks
and taking tests. It should include cultivating children’s students how to manage stress, focus better and improve
emotional intelligence and developing their self-awareness self-management.
and cognitive skills. In response to ever-increasing pres- Self-awareness. Self-awareness is the foundation of
sures of contemporary life, there’s rising interest in con- all holistic development. Capability to recognise one’s
scious learning that incorporates yoga, mindfulness and strengths, weaknesses, and values, enables students to
spirituality. Currently, a large and growing number of par- make better decisions to tackle life’s formidable challenges.
ents and educators are expressing preference for conscious Intelligent educators develop their students’ self-awareness
learning pedagogy for their children. by encouraging them to introspect to discover their inter-
Mindfulness has been introduced into education to en- ests and passions and follow them.
hance children’s well-being, mental health, social and emo- Cultivating focus and concentration. In an era when
tional skills, resilience, pro-social behaviour — all of which children are bombarded with digital distractions, discern-
enhances academic performance. By teaching mindfulness ing parents worry about their children’s ability to focus and
techniques, educators can empower students to manage remain focused for adequate time periods. By incorporating
stress, improve concentration, and cultivate their emo- meditation into children’s learning, teachers and parents
tional intelligence. These skills are becoming increasingly help them develop concentration capabilities and skill-sets.
valuable in academic settings to prepare students for the Spirituality. Spirituality in education is religion neutral. It
complex challenges they are certain to experience in higher helps children develop the virtues of compassion and empa-
education and adult life. thy advocated by all religions. By introducing spiritual ideas
Let’s examine why schools, educators and parents are and learning, parents can instil ethics into their children.
choosing conscious learning education pathways for their Increasingly spiritual education is becoming related to
children. nature-related activities and environmental consciousness.
Emotional intelligence — the heart of conscious In these days of climate change and looming environment
learning. In addition to enhancing academic performance, disaster, educators need to develop students’ strong con-
conscious learning develops the emotional intelligence of nection with nature. Outdoor play, nature walks and eco-
children. Through yoga and mindfulness, children develop friendly activities are becoming mandatory for children to
self-awareness, compassion and communication skills. develop environment preservation responsibility.
These are the prerequisites of nurturing emotional intel- Lastly, teaching children to commit themselves to life-
ligence and social skills. long learning is part and parcel of conscious learning that
Stress reduction and mental well-being. With the extends beyond routine, conventional education. Parents
explosion of social media, 21st century children are experi- and teachers need to instil passion for exploration and dis-
encing high levels of stress and anxiety in today’s fast-paced covery in children to encourage them to become lifelong
world. Conscious learning practices, comprising mindful- learners who address challenges with curiosity and prob-
ness and yoga, equip children with the skills to navigate lem-solving attitude.
life’s challenges. Conscious learning promotes stress reduc- As awareness of the importance of conscious learning
tion, emotional resilience, and overall mental well-being, grows, the importance of yoga, mindfulness and spirituality
inducing positive, balanced mindsets. in education is a natural consequence. Latter-day parents
Mind-body connection. Mind-body connection is cru- and teachers must provide balanced and holistic education
cial for children’s holistic development. From time im- for children’s optimal development. Children gifted with
memorial educators have connected mental and physical good mental health and emotional intelligence are mov-
health (mens sana in corpore sano). To establish the mind- ing ahead to confront life’s increasingly complex challenges
body connection some schools subscribe to online physical with confidence and purpose.
education programs, yoga and mindfulness sessions, which (A pioneer of professionally administered early childhood education and
are incorporated into the curriculum. Not only do these promoter of the nationwide Kangaroo Kids preschools chain, Lina Ashar is
programmes encourage physical fitness, they also teach currently founder-director of the Dreamtime Learning School, Mumbai)

64 EDUCATIONWORLD MARCH 2024