Children not only require academic lessons but also a system that helps them understand emotions, relationships, and mental duress and develop resilience and team spirit Holistic learning seeks to manage the emotional, social, ethical, and academic needs of students in a coherent learning format. A positive atmosphere in school, coupled with academic and non-academic support to students should be given importance. Students should be taught to contemplate their actions, how they impact their community globally and locally, and how to learn from the community around them.

Holistic learning is a movement that gained currency in the 1980s to counter the existing learning structure that was considered mechanistic.

Methods of holistic learning

The goal of holistic learning is to develop a child’s physical, emotional, moral, psychological, and spiritual attributes. Lessons are provided in a safe, supportive environment that allows students to recognize their strengths. While holistic learning is guided by one philosophy, teachers can employ several methods and strategies to create a holistic learning culture.

Methods such as Experiential Learning where hands-on educational experiences are provided to students, or Self Guided learning where teachers allow students to learn at their own pace and whatever way the child is comfortable with, enable students to grow, not just academically, but also prepare them to face challenges in the outside world. Schools serve as a focal point for community participation, social development, and academic activities.

Teacher-student relationship

When teacher forms strong bonds with students, their performance and engagement in class are positive. Students have a higher chance of success when they feel safe in a learning environment. Teachers should foster strong relationships with students by responding to their strengths and needs; and by acting in a culturally sensitive manner. Students should be allowed to help develop classroom rules and take on leadership roles. This encourages trust and communication among students and increases their motivation to do well.

Foster self-confidence

Students must feel that they belong and have the potential to achieve. Teachers can help build self confidence by providing different opportunities for students to learn and communicate what they understand. Teachers should be able to recognize students’ unique strengths and treat all students equally. Student motivation can be enhanced by making sure that the lessons are realistic and relevant to students’ lives.

Incorporating emotional reflection To encourage emotional understanding in daily routine, teachers should provide a certain time for students to reflect, contemplate, or meditate. Effective listening and observational skills might be the subject of lessons to promote empathy.

Benefits of holistic learning

Improved academic achievement: Holistic education can improve the academics of students regardless of background by catering to each student’s learning style and providing a supportive educational environment. The brain capacity of a student is increased when they feel physically and emotionally safe and have a good connection with the teacher.

Mental and emotional well-being: In a safe and supportive environment where social and emotional learning is emphasized along with academics, students have a chance of imbibing qualities of self-awareness, confidence, and a sense of responsibility.

Problem-solving abilities: Students who are assigned with solving real-world problems that exist around them develop strong critical-thinking skills. These hands-on experiences give students the required skills that they need in their careers such as, how to gather information, analyze, communicate effectively, and how to collaborate and work with others.

Children not only require academic lessons but also a system that helps them understand emotions, relationships, mental duress, and develop resilience and team spirit. Holistic learning boosts the morale of a student and makes them realize their hidden potential which ultimately results in becoming a productive person.