Philosophy
Educational Approach
A brief, ‘accessible’ explanation is given below as a ‘small glimpse’:
Approach: ‘Human-centric view’
- Integral role of the ‘seer’ as the one experiencing and living (study of the human beyond just physiology and anatomy).
- Includes all phases and dimensions of human life and happiness.
- Encompasses all aspects of nature and reality relevant to human understanding and interaction.
Curriculum & classroom practices
- Grounded in a deep understanding of existence, human nature, and universal human purpose.
- Integrated view of subjects through the lens of human experience (the way children, youth, and adults perceive the world)
- Addresses spiritual, experiential, intellectual, behavioral, and material aspects of life.
- Includes laws of natural sciences, behavior, society, and intellectual domains.
- Focuses on universal aspirations like happiness, peace, understanding, prosperity, and good character.
- Incorporates expectations between family, society, nation, and the student.
- Addresses needs, capabilities, and learning practices across life stages: childhood, youth, adulthood, and old age.
- Reduces information overload, emphasizing relevant skills (math, science, geography) and core concept clarity.
Pedagogy & School environment
- Based on understanding consciousness (chaitanya jeevan) and existential spirituality, not just mystical intuition.
- Promotes ‘seeing & living’ through guided exploration, beyond rote learning.
- Considers all environments the child interacts with, both in school and outside.
- School extends the behavioral environment of home.
- Teachers act as gurus, fostering holistic child development via guru-shishya sambandh, with personal growth tied to the child’s progress.
- Child development stages: 0-5 (emulation), 5-10 (purpose), 11-16 (discipline), 16-18 (self-discipline).
- Bilingual instruction in English medium schools.
- Guides children to address their ‘being’ and ‘living’ appropriately.
- Concept-based teaching for math and sciences: imagination, utility, observation, then theory.
- Syllabus introduces topics early to prepare for future learning.
- Our Methods of Teaching
- Meaningful Dialogue
- Appreciation
- Guided Practice
- Collaborative Project-based Learning
- Peer and Higher Learning
- Lifelong learning, social character, and daily routines (health & work).
- Connecting content to family life and vocations, fostering a physical work mentality.
- Daily Math Practice
- Village Surveys
- Production Activities to engage organs of action.
- Non-competitive games and sports, focusing on self-improvement.
- Debriefing
- Teachers and parents are trained via Jeevan Vidya workshops to align with the integral philosophy.
Assessment approaches
- Uses both quantitative and qualitative assessment methods.
- Avoids competitive comparisons, using assessments for personal growth and celebrating others’ successes.
- Covers the following areas:
Material Aspect
- Healthy development of sensory aspects, brain, body strength, and agility.
- Skills learning, willingness for physical work, and sincerity.
Behavioural Aspect
- Tendencies, emotions, expression (verbal and non-verbal), and commitment to relationships.
- Participation in family life through behavior and service.
- Societal interaction, character, and appreciation of one’s role in society.
Intellectual Aspect
- Memory and recall.
- Language, math, and computation skills.
- Critical reasoning and understanding.
- Qualitative application in life: wisdom/viveka.
Spiritual, Existential Aspect
- Clarity on human life, consciousness, goals, and purpose.
- Understanding the existential nature of the universe and its components.
- Knowledge of material world laws.
- Clarity on how knowledge relates to individual, familial, and societal happiness, contentment, and well-being.
***
shriram n / student / june 2022 / based on inputs from education team in the schools.
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