Thursday, January 18, 2018

Contemplative Practices, The Latest Approach To Effective Learning

By Marie Turner


Contemplating on something gives you a better idea through focus on details. In order to generate greater impact during learning, contemplative practices are advocated. They make students more aware of content under dissemination which makes learning to generate a greater impact. The students identify better with the role that such content can have in their lives and the community where they come from.

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 understanding of materials under instructions is important in an effective learning environment. Through meditation exercises, students are more critical in contextualizing the materials under discussion and critical reasoning to discover what lies beneath the subjects being discussed. In this manner, the materials under discussion are potent and easier to understand. This is an important element in boosting retention.

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.

Among the exercises used is stillness. When applied in a session, the content is first delivered after which silence is applied. It involves quieting the mind while you think about particular content, meditation, centering and actual silence. Students pay more attention to application of knowledge acquired to their real lives. This way, they devise creative ways of using this knowledge to transform their lives and those of their communities.

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.




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