Search This Blog

23 January 2018

Contemplative Practices, The Latest Approach To Better Learning

By Marie Turner


The basic idea behind contemplation is to create a greater deal of awareness. Contemplative Practices makes a person more conscious of the surrounding environment and thus is able to make the most of this environment. This approach has been fronted as one of the best in enhancing knowledge absorption. It creates a sense of relevance which makes learning to have a greater impact and be easier.

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.

The exercises make it easier to understand the content being delivered. Students become critical about this content and can put it into context with ease. They discover the underlying issues and can reason critically instead of recycling or reciting the information provided. This enables them to decipher the potent content in a subject. When information leads to knowledge, retention is boosted and the students become more creative as well as innovative.

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 learning environment is enhanced when contemplative exercises are incorporated. The approach is subtle and personal for each session or content. This means that such exercises are only used in complimenting the curriculum. The student is alive to the environment and can relate content on offer to the methods and ethics of his or her profession. This is the genesis of greater creativity in a profession.

The main benefits of contemplation are building connection, awareness and communion. This has to be applied to the content under discussion. Tutors identify exercises that apply best for each situation, content or session. This way, you have personalized content for each pupil, class and subject. This requires a great deal of creativity.

Among the most effective in a learning environment is stillness. A tutor takes his students through quieting of the mind, silence, medication and centering with special focus on the content under discussion. The students can reflect on how this content is applied in real life and ways to ensure that it delivers value or transformation to the society.

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: