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Essential
Education
*Please note that for
practical reasons, what was formerly known as Universal
Education is now known as Essential Education.
Although the label has changed, everything else, such as
the philosophy and practical application remains the same.
Although
rooted in the universal principals found in Buddhism, Essential Education is a secular, non-sectarian education project. It aims
to create an exemplary learning environment of parents,
children, teachers and staff committed to developing knowledge,
strength and compassion.
Essential Education focuses not only on assisting the child to develop the
intellect but, additionally, the child's understanding of the
interdependence of all living beings. Through an understanding
of this interconnectedness between people, and the environment
they live in, the child is better suited to create a harmonious
world community. It
is our intent that our students develop trust in themselves as
capable beings able to make a positive difference in the world.
Through our program our children will develop a strong
awareness and appreciation of the cultural and religious
diversity that exists in the world and an acceptance of the
differences therein.
The
Specific Goals of Essential Education
Essential Education seeks to develop the whole person; as a result, it has
the following goals:
•
To foster the qualities of loving kindness, compassion,
and universal responsibility.
•
To cultivate respectful behavior toward all living beings
•
To present a balanced integrated program of learning
activities and experiences that addresses the physical, social,
emotional, intellectual and spiritual domains of the person.
•
To transmit the universal elements of wisdom from
different cultures and traditions through an understanding of
both the material (external) and spiritual (internal) aspects of
reality.
•
To develop ethical behavior based on an understanding of
the interrelatedness of all phenomena.
•
To develop an understanding of:
The nature
and functioning of the mind and its projections.
The nature
and source of emotions and how to work with them.
Essential
Education Pedagogy
The
pedagogy developed by Tara Redwood School and Essential Education includes the following:
•
Knowledge of the inner world of thoughts, feelings and
emotions is as important as knowledge of the outer world
•
An integrated and interdisciplinary approach to learning
is preferable to one that fragments and divides knowledge
•
Individuals often have dramatically different learning
styles; all learning styles are valid and must be both
acknowledged and nurtured.
•
Learning rooted in direct experience far surpasses in
depth and endurance learning by indirect methods
•
Generally accepted subject matter can be enhanced by
integrating a Essential Education approach and accompanying
methods and techniques
•
The intuitive wisdom of the individual can be developed
by dialectical discussion and debate exploring philosophical,
spiritual and moral themes.
All "From: Kids To: World" proceeds go back into the development of materials and training programs for Lama's Vision for Kids Essential Education. Any profits are shared with projects in our global community that are helping to make a positive difference in the world.
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