This week we discuss what it means to educate "the whole person" and how we can integrate more holistic learning practices into our own lives.

Videos:

Please watch the following videos this week:

Dan Pink, The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us (~10 minutes)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJr9QajdCNc

Martha Beck, Sample Footage from "O" You Conference (~6 minutes)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EJlPgMgLJA

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Creativity, Fulfillment and Flow (~20 minutes)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXIeFJCqsPs

Readings(s), Optional:

The following optional readings build upon this week's topic:

• The Whole Child, ASCD
• Howard Gardner, Multiple Intelligences and Education, The Encyclopedia of Informal Education
• Reinvisioning Learning by Karen Kimsey-House, The Coaches Training Institute

Discussion Questions:

Please discuss the following questions below. Then throughout the week, try to respond to at least two other comments from your colleagues.

• What does it mean to educate the whole person? Do you consider your definition to apply globally or within a specific community? 
• What are the components of a holistic education? Feel free to share examples from "real life" education systems and places.
• To what extent was "finding your North star" (Martha Beck) or realizing your "flow" (Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi) emphasized in your own upbringing? How did this impact who you are today? 
• How does the concept of "happiness" fit into "holistic education"?
• How can you bring more holistic learning practices into your own life?
• What themes from this week's videos and/or readings really resonated with you?
• Please respond to at least 2 other comments from your colleagues this week.

Skype Discussion, Optional:

• The optional 1-hour Skype discussion this week will be:

  • June 24th (Sunday): 1:30pm Eastern Standard Time ("New York" time).

  • To calculate what time this is in your time zone, Google "Time in New York". Then calculate the time difference between New York and your own time zone. For example, 1:30pm EST is 9:30pm Dubai time.

• If you plan to join the optional Skype discussion, please email Anna (anna at boneducation dot com) and let her know that you will be joining the call before the call begins. Also include your Skype user name. 

• If you cannot make the optional Skype discussion time, you are welcome to organize and facilitate another group call with your colleagues.