Life as/of a holistic educator

Authors

  • Jwalin Patel University of Cambridge, UK
  • Maya Shakti Berggreen-Clausen The Learning Community

Keywords:

Holistic Education, contemplative education, deconditioning, lifelong learning, embodying holistic epistemology, teacher professional development

Abstract

This dialogue-based reflective essay examines the lives of holistic educators. It underscores the importance of educators embodying holism whereby holism is understood as an epistemology that supports educators embracing a way of living and being for themselves. It explores how teachers embody personal values to walk the talk, question and decondition themselves to develop new visions and approaches to education, and are engaged in lifelong learning of self-transformation. Ultimately, starting with inner-work and self-transformation, the growing consciousness guides interactions with others, the pursuit of one’s dharma, and contributions to the larger society.

 

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Author Biographies

Jwalin Patel , University of Cambridge, UK

Dr Jwalin Patel is a research scholar who also works in the developmental / social action sector. His research (MPhil, PhD, Postdoc at University of Cambridge, UK and ongoing research) focuses on educational philosophy, classroom and schoolwide ethos and practices, teacher professional development, and interventions for holistic education, education for harmony, and social emotional learning. He has published several academic papers, book chapters, educational reports and books; notably his book on Learning to Live Together Harmoniously: Spiritual Perspectives from Indian Classrooms. He previously taught undergraduate and postgraduate students at University of Cambridge, UK, University College London, UK and St Xaviers College, Ahmedabad. He has been working in the education development sector since 2009, as the cofounder and codirector of two charities in India and consultant to various Indian and international multilateral organizations (including Global Innovation Foundation, Inter Network Agency for Education in Emergencies, UNICEF and Cambridge Partnerships for Education). 

Maya Shakti Berggreen-Clausen, The Learning Community

Maya Shakti Berggreen-Clausen is a specialist in education for sustainable development, working with applied research on the practice of Integral Education in Auroville. Her focus is on developing new educational practices, teacher training, models of school organization, and educational materials designed to support education for peace and sustainability. As manager of Auro-games, she also creates educational puzzles that support cognitive development, striving to bring creativity and problem-based learning into public education. Prior to her work in Auroville, she worked as a class teacher in public Montessori schools in Sweden.

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Published

2023-11-29

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2023): Contemplative Perspectives and Practices in Holistic Education

Section

Gallery Walk