A PATH FOR LIFE - 2021-2022

A PATH FOR LIFE - 2021-2022

EDUCATION IN HUMAN VALUES – A PATH FOR LIFE

2021/2022

A Programme for public school teachers approved by the Italian Ministry of Education

The first module of the Training Programme Education in Human Values - a Path for Life, highlighted by the acrostic “P.A.C.E”., Pensieri in Armonia, Comportamento in Equilibrio; (PEACE: Thoughts in Harmony, Behaviour in Balance), was presented online from October 2021 to June 2022.

The Programme, organised and delivered by the Italian team of the Institute of Sathya Sai Education of South Europe (ISSE SE), is linked to civic education - and the area of education concerned with sustainable development, and has been approved by the Italian Ministry of Education within the framework of refresher courses for public school teachers.

Education in Human Values - a Path for Life

Geared for professional teachers and educators, the Programme consists of 4 modules, each of which contemplates an area of education promoted by the Ministry of Education of Italy. 

Module 1.  P.A.C.E.: Pensieri in Armonia, Comportamenti in Equilibrio (PEACE: Thoughts in Harmony, Balanced Behaviour), connects to the area of education related to health and psychophysical well-being.

Module 2. Ethics and good communication, connects to the area of education related to Legality and Communication.

Module 3.  Unity in diversity, connects to the area of education related to respect for people, nature, common cultural heritage, volunteer orientation (service to society).

Module 4.  The relationship between man and Nature, connects to the area of education related to environmental education and eco-sustainable development.

The above training modules intend to gradually facilitate an understanding of the essence of the basic principles of the Sathya Sai Education in Human Values programme (SSEHV), its EDUCÆRE philosophy and the universal Human Values of Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Love and Nonviolence, emphasizing how they deeply enrich the meaning and significance of the teacher's own educational role.

By committing oneself to being a human values-oriented teacher a profound personal, social and spiritual experience is set into motion. This transformation process fosters a fuller comprehension of the importance to represent a role model for one’s pupils. By instilling value-based awareness it sows the seeds for the development of an educational environment based on love, which facilitates the full expression of the child’s overall human potential, including the inner wisdom of the Heart. A process of education that leads to the development of a character inspired by noble ideals, while the practice of Human Values based on principles such as respect for human rights, solidarity, equality and protection of the ecosystem foster cooperation and a sense of unity, so needed in today’s globalized society.

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 MODULE 1   “P.A.C.E. Pensieri in Armonia, Comportamenti in Equilibrio

(Peace: Thoughts in Harmony, Balanced Behaviour)

 The first Module of Education in Human Values - a Path for Life, entitled “P.A.C.E”,

Pensieri in Armonia, Comportamenti in Equilibrio

(Peace: Thoughts in Harmony, Balanced Behaviour),

was carried out from October 2021 to June 2022.

Purpose:

The purpose of Module 1 focused in particular on the theme of well-being, introduced within its broader scope: a state of perfect harmony that embraces our overall being, which manifests both in physical health and goodness, resulting from the alignment with one’s true nature. In this light, the Value of Peace, and related value aspects such as calmness, balance, harmony and joy were explored and offered as inspirational guidance towards choices aimed at healthy and happy ways of living, linking to the goals indicated by the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, and specifically to the goals no. 3.4 and no. 4.7 of the Italian Ministerial Programme of Education.

At its onset, Module 1 highlighted the importance of sowing the seeds of an educational model based on values, emphasizing how a holistic pedagogical approach supports the all-round development of children and the blossoming of their full potential. It stressed how Human Values education endows children and adolescents with Self-Confidence, Concentration, Peace, and Character (unity in thought, word and deed; harmony of head-heart-hand), and how these personality traits not only add meaning to life in general, but confer deeper implications to civic education, fostering personal motivation and promoting healthy habits for a better quality of life.

Lesson plans were provided as support for the work to be carried out in class according to the age group of one’s students.

Course duration and content

The course consisted of 10 hours of training and 10 hours of practical application either in one’s classroom or as part of one’s process of personal development. It included an introductory session, to present an overview of the course and identify its goals, and a final session, to share the participant’s practical experiences.

Methodology:

The methodology was interactive and experience-based integrating group work, creative activities and concentration/meditation practices.

Number of course participants:

24 teachers, from various levels/grades, and some training in adult education, and/or retired teachers took part in the first module of the programme.

Course speakers:

The speakers are all teachers / educators / trainers in possession of a diploma or certification from the Italian branch of the Institute of Sathya Sai Education of South Europe.

Course evaluation

The evaluation questionnaires collected at the end of the module showed a high level of satisfaction for every aspect of the course. The participants particularly appreciated the clarity and depth of the topics that were presented, and mentioned an increase in knowledge and awareness with respect to improving the quality of life in general; the way to bring Human Values to education, the integral pedagogical approach, the 5 teaching techniques and the atmosphere of joy and enthusiasm.

They also expressed a positive evaluation of the training methodology, the exchange with the participants and the interactive workshops; they furthermore mentioned the competence, commitment and seriousness of the speakers, and were grateful for the teaching materials and hints they were given to support them in the development of lesson plans.

Thanks to a series of open questions, valuable suggestions and ideas to improve the course were also expressed, focusing above all on the importance of exchanging educational experiences, sharing more practical aspects related to the implementation of the programme, and learning more about how to approach/implement the programme for different age groups. The need to extend the time given to group activity/workshops was also indicated.

Next module

The training course will continue next school year season 2022-2023 with the 2^nd and 3^rd Modules, dedicated respectively to Ethics and Good Communication, and Unity in diversity.