Holistic approach when it comes to language learning

The optimal way to present information is still a controversial topic for many education professionals. Conventional education systems that put all students through the same challenges in the exact same ways arguably have huge flaws. Every person is different; so is their ability to understand different topics. Moreover, assembling a group of people and ranking their ability to understand the material can have long-term consequences on self-esteem, especially when applied to children.

Taking these factors into consideration, a holistic approach to learning may be the best option. Deviating from the classic atomistic perspective, this approach brings out the best in each student.

The subject of language learning approaches has been discussed for quite some time in the education field. In recent years, holistic language learning has become increasingly popular, especially when working with kids. More and more educators have adopted the holistic approach with great success, fostering the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of their students.

What Is Holistic Learning?

A holistic approach to education engages the whole person in the learning process, embracing intellect, emotions, and creativity. Holistic learning is an especially powerful tool because it supports each learner’s individuality and encourages them to find their true potential.

Why is the Holistic Approach Important in Teaching?

Education with a holistic approach inspires curiosity, promotes self-expression, and develops social skills. Holistic teachers make learning fun and engaging while helping their students relate to a subject by using their intuitive, logical, and creative skills. Such an approach to learning is particularly important for young people.

What is The Goal of Holistic Education?

The goal of holistic learning is to nurture internal values, establish healthy social relationships, and develop a student’s physical, emotional, and spiritual traits. This way of teaching prepares learners in a highly effective way for present and future academic and life challenges.

The main focus is to help the students learn more about themselves and to embrace their talents and abilities. In its nature, holistic education encourages an individual approach to each student, personalized to their skills and aspirations.

Benefits of a Holistic Approach to Education

Holistic learning is considered one of the best educational practices, especially when teaching children. The holistic methods of education are concentrated on improving just the right personality attributes without altering the learner’s identity and characteristics.

Here are some of the top advantages the holistic approach has compared to traditional education practices:

• Helps students develop internal values and morals
• Builds confidence and encourages a sense of identity
• Eliminates the problem of unrealistic expectations
• Develops social and practical life skills
• Creates a sense of belonging through the learning process
• Encourages holistic health (physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and social wellness)

A holistic approach to language learning connects the teacher or coach to the learner in a powerful way. Learning becomes a child’s play, and all the educational material can be presented in a friendly, natural, non-intrusive way.

Differences Between a Conventional and Holistic Curriculum

Holistic learning and traditional education share two very different outlooks on language. While both sides made their valid points and relevant arguments, many private courses choose to adopt a hybrid teaching system — incorporating certain components of the holistic and the conventional approach.

In the language learning field, the opposers of the traditional method stand behind the idea that breaking a language into parts sounds irrational when it can be viewed as a whole instead.

So, while traditional educators use linguistic criteria, objective facts, and individual sentences to teach a language, holistic teachers use full texts and storytelling to prepare their students for real-life situations. The former approach is teacher-centered, and the latter learner-centered.

The first group views language as a grammatical system, focusing on technical aspects of a language, while the second one emphasizes conversation and communication.

Traditional teachers teach in formal and semi-formal style, while holistic coaches concentrate on everyday speech.

Reading and writing tend to be prioritized in classic language learning programs. The goal of holistic educators, on the other hand, is to teach students effective communication; indeed, speaking is a high priority in a holistic class.

Tips for Holistic Language Learning

As you may have figured out, the conventional, test-oriented curriculum does not compute with the idea of a holistic approach to learning. Narrow, plan-structured lessons of the standard school system are rejected in holistic education. Instead, holistic teachers concentrate on individual learners in their class and work towards person-centered learning curricula.

By paying special attention to the traits, skills, and abilities of each student, a coach or teacher can adjust the language learning strategy. Customized learning supports the personal growth and development of the individuals in the class.

Here are a few ideas that can work well with a holistic method:

• Information visualization
• Outdoor classes
• Individual projects
• Student-led classroom
• Use of technology
• Group activities
• Learning through games

Creating a Healthy Learning Environment

In a modern world full of stress, a holistic learning environment is a breath of fresh air in the educational system. After all, a safe and secure setting is key to a productive, open-minded classroom. Holistic teachers are genuinely supportive of students, providing countless academic and non-academic opportunities for each individual to express themselves and shine.