(Image retrieved: The University of Bath Students' Union, 2001)
Introduction
As educators, we need to ensure that we are doing our best to support our students, having them leave our classrooms feeling prepared in every way possible. Yes this leaves us with big shoes to fill, however, a holistic approach to teaching and learning will help us get there. Our students are entering our classrooms each day with experiences both positive and negative about school and their homes. We need to ensure that we are providing our students with a safe, peaceful and enriching learning environment.
A traditional way of teaching focuses primarily on academics. It would support standardized testing, great emphasis on grades and marks, and follow a specific curriculum guideline. Students who find it easy to learn would excel and find great success after school. Students that found it difficult to learn in a one-dimensional way, may struggle, begin to dislike school and potentially face great barriers leaving school. The possibility that some of our students may struggle with this type of learning style is enough for us to begin asking questions like:
We know that traditional forms of education can be quite difficult for our students. We understand if a child is struggling in school, it will ultimately impact their health and well-being physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. Educational institutions should be a place where students grow and are nurtured intellectually, physically, emotionally and spiritually. They should find comfort and support while they endure a journey of exploration, inquiry and knowledge construction. A holistic approach to education will not only nurture our students health and well-being, but it will challenge them in new ways and push them to new levels of achievement.
A traditional way of teaching focuses primarily on academics. It would support standardized testing, great emphasis on grades and marks, and follow a specific curriculum guideline. Students who find it easy to learn would excel and find great success after school. Students that found it difficult to learn in a one-dimensional way, may struggle, begin to dislike school and potentially face great barriers leaving school. The possibility that some of our students may struggle with this type of learning style is enough for us to begin asking questions like:
- How can we change the engagement and motivation of our students in school?
- How do students learn best?
- Is there more to education than strictly curriculum knowledge?
- What are the benefits of teaching to the 'Whole Child?'
- Is there a way of teaching the 'Whole Child' that will improve our students experiences at school?
We know that traditional forms of education can be quite difficult for our students. We understand if a child is struggling in school, it will ultimately impact their health and well-being physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. Educational institutions should be a place where students grow and are nurtured intellectually, physically, emotionally and spiritually. They should find comfort and support while they endure a journey of exploration, inquiry and knowledge construction. A holistic approach to education will not only nurture our students health and well-being, but it will challenge them in new ways and push them to new levels of achievement.