Contemplative Practices, The Latest Approach To Better Learning

By Marie Turner


Contemplation is meant to make the subjects more aware of their surrounding. The use of contemplative practices in the learning process is designed to enhance similar awareness and thus ensure that education has a greater impact. It also enables learners to appreciate the surrounding and make the most of it. It has been proven to improve absorption, relevance and the impact education is having on lives of learners.

The use of contemplation offers the benefits of greater focus and attention. A student can shift focus from one idea to the other without losing the point being delivered. This focus is not arbitrary but is directed on a particular idea. According to experts, this is the foundation of intellectual analysis of issues and problem solving. The student acquires a unique ability to consider different perspectives effectively.

Contemplation exercises make understanding of content easier. This happens when learners are critical about content and can transfer the context of application. Underlying issues are easy to bring forth saving such students from reciting or recycling of ideas. They use such information to generate knowledge. Retention of such information is made easier with learners becoming more creative.

Through contemplation, content is not taken blindly. They can create relationships between what is taught and their real lives. They learn to value what is learnt in class and use it in building a solid value system for their careers and learning processes. This is a way of making them excellent and valuable professionals who follow the protocol in the industry. They add value to their daily engagements in the industry.

The incorporation of these exercises is meant to enhance your learning environment. It should take a personal approach that is also subtle but only meant to compliment your curriculum. When used effectively, you end up with an engaging learning environment where students are always tuned in. Further, the students have greater regard for the content they receive in class and also apply it both ethically and methodically. Because of deeper understanding, they are more creative in the field.

The pillars of using contemplation in learning are building awareness, communion and connection. These exercises are applied individually to the content being discussed. Tutors highlight the exercise that best fits a particular session, content or situation. This is a way of delivering personalized content for each subject, class and cluster of pupils. It is the genesis of creative learning.

Stillness ranks high among the contemplative exercises that can be used during learning sessions. This involves silence, centering, meditation and quieting of mind. The exercises help students to pay greater attention of content and its application in real life. Through their reflections, they can tailor the content in a way that is transforms their immediate environment and community.

Other exercises to consider include creative where students are encouraged to keep journals of ideas generated during learning or that are related to the content under study, turn the content into music, improvise around the same content and develop contemplative art. Engaging in academic activism, relational interactions and movement are the other options. It is upon the tutor and his class to identify the most effective approach.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment