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.

• Please RSVP for this week's Skype call here. It is helpful if you RSVP at least one day in advance of the call.

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