WHY INCORPORATE HOLISTIC PRINCIPLES INTO EDUCATION?

Introduction 

Much of today's education is based on 19^th century world-views emphasising reductionism, linear thinking and positivism that make it very difficult for learners to find meaning, relevance and value in school or life. In schools the result is often poor attendance, lack of motivation, lack of participation and poor behaviour - all of which make learning much more difficult.

Education should be meaningful for all learners. We need a learner centred education system built on the explicit assumptions of connectedness, wholeness and being fully human.

These are the attributes called for by the United Nations, and adopted by many preventative programs to combat depression, suicide and substance abuse by young people. They are the same attributes called for by UNESCO in its report Learning: The Treasure Within, for education for the 21^st century that are critically important if countries in the Asia-Pacific are to have a meaningful place in the 21^st century with healthy whole citizens.

The links on the right outline the need for a more holistic approach to education built on explicit assumptions of connectedness, wholeness and being fully human.

Section 1: Preferred Futures

Section 2: Paradigms or Memes: New Perspectives

Section 3: Living with Change

Section 4: Barriers to Life-long Learning

Section 5: A 21st Century World-View: Connectedness, Wholeness and Being

Section 6: What kind of education system is needed for the 21st century?

Section 7: What might a more Holistic Education look like?

Section 8: References & Reading