Articles About Total Education
Articles from past issues of the SOTE Newsletter and other sources, selected for their enduring value.
From the Archives: Global EducationTHIS REMARKABLE WRITING of Vijayadev Yogendra, “The Future Education”, reminded me of another striking book I read recently “The Global Brain”, by Peter Russell. In it the scientist shows how the growth and increasing complexity of the human species has brought about an evolutionary transformation similar to earlier ones in the history of life on this planet, namely the birth of new global organs of perception, warning, adaptation and decision. (Author: Robert Muller; Published on website: April 2017). |
From the Archives: Parents' Responsibilities“As we see it, parents should be developing themselves, understanding deeper values, finding out what they want for their child or what they want to achieve for their child, instead of saying the child should grow in their own image, or trying to patronise, bamboozle or threaten the child. A child will grow if the impediments to growth are removed. Parents need to identify these and help the child to come to terms with them.” (Author: David Leech; Published on website: April 2017). |
Medical Adventures in SamoaAt the end of our first year of med school, UQ students are required to do a clinical placement at a hospital or medical practice. My med student friend has family in American Samoa so we thought we would make the most of that connection and get some insight into a contrasting heath care system. (That just happened to be on a beautiful tropical island!) (Author: Maggie Doolan; Published on website: April 2017). |
Dr. Rubinstein Visits Total EducationAs one of the parents I listened to Dr Arne Rubenstein speak at the combined parents meeting on the 24th of February. Dr Arne has invested much of his time and energy in establishing programmes that celebrate and acknowledge teenagers for who they are, and that mark their transition into adulthood. (Author: Dr. Stephen Yates; Published on website: April 2017). |
Dr. Indra Returns for GraduationIn 2016, our school made contact with Dr Indra Nordstrand, a past student of the School who had graduated in 1990 before she went on to study Medicine. Graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery, Indra gained her Master of Philosophy before completing her surgical training (in Australia and the United Kingdom). Upon returning to Australia in 2014, Indra has worked in hospitals in Victoria, Western Australia and New Zealand, prior to resettling… (Author: David Leech; Published on website: March 2017). |
Reflections on the Parents' ProgramFor the first Combined Parents’ Meeting of the year, David Leech hosted a conversation with three former and current SOTE parents, Kathy Dufficy, Jo Burton and Peter Pickering. All three reflected on the solidarity, support and relationships they formed over the years with other parents and the benefits flowing to their families. (Author: Kathy Dufficy & Peter Pickering; Published on website: May 2016). |
Building Resilience - Conversation CaféDebbie and Shane mentioned that parents want to hear a bit more about how they can help their children become more resilient. So I think the plan for the night is that first I will share a few thoughts with you and then we will have a discussion in small groups. (Author: Shane Power; Published on website: May 2016). |
Origins of the Parents ProgramDavid Leech looks at the origins of the parents program, a program that allows parents to discuss issues and find support in one another through what is possibly the most harrowing task a human being can undertake. (Author: David Leech; Published on website: May 2016). |
Appreciating DifferencePrincipal Shane Power speaks on the many differences we find in modern society, and how we can all help create a respectful culture that encourages people to appreciate difference rather than shun it. (Author: Shane Power; Published on website: May 2016). |
Prof. Jan Thomas on Privilege and ResponsibilityProfessor Jan Thomas of the University of Southern Queensland came and spoke to the graduates on the privilege of being a student graduating high school and the responsibility to care for our world in such a way that more people might enjoy such a privilege in the future. This article is a transposed version of the speech Prof. Thomas gave to the students. (Author: Prof. Jan Thomas; Published on website: January 2016). |
The Greatest Challenges of ParentingDr Michael Carr-Gregg works as a nationally registered child and adolescent psychologist working in private practice in Melbourne. He is passionate about delivering evidence based psychology workshops and seminars that make a difference to the health and wellbeing of young people. This article was compiled from notes taken at a talk given by Dr Carr-Gregg at The School of Total Education on 27th May 2013. (Author: Dr Michael Carr-Gregg; Published on website: November 2013). |
Helping Students with Learning DifficultiesClaire Waters, a teacher of English, History, and Literacy at The School of Total Education, reflects on how the school’s culture and approach has been successful in helping students to overcome learning difficulties. (Author: Claire Waters; Published on website: November 2013). |
From the Archives:Understanding AdolescenceMelbourne psychologist Dr Peter Cantwell writes about the teen years as a “very tender, sensitive time of life”. They are the most crucial years in the development of the mature, human personality, and they are, for this reason, the most painful for the maturing person. This article was originally published in 1977, the year that The School of Total Education was founded in Melbourne. (Author: Dr Peter Cantwell; Published on website: November 2013). |
From the Archives:Family Life and Spiritual GrowthArtist and Zen Buddhist, André Sollier, spoke at a seminar arranged in conjunction with The School of Total Education in its early years in Melbourne. In this article from 1977, he reflects personally on the topic of “Family Life and Spiritual Growth”. (Author: André Sollier; Published on website: June 2013). |
In Pursuit of Knowledge Excellence and ServiceAt a meeting of all parents at The School of Total Education early in 2013, Principal, Shane Power, drew inspiration from the school motto “In Pursuit of Knowledge Excellence and Service”. (Author: Shane Power; Published on website: June 2013). |
Teaching Values to Children and Young PeopleAt a Teachers’ Seminar in January 2013, Foundation Principal, Richard Waters, shared his experience on teaching values to children. (Author: Richard Waters; Published on website: June 2013). |
Bringing Out the Best in the ChildrenHow can we bring out the best in the children? In this Q&A session from a 2012 school parents meeting, teacher John Cosgrove provides some of his thoughts on the subject. (Author: John Cosgrove; Published on website: November 2012). |
From the Archives:Education for HealthThis article by the founder of The School of Total Education, Vijayadev Yogendra, discusses how fear and ignorance are the underlying sources of the stress and tension experienced by so many people, then examines practical ways to tackle these problems. (Author: Vijayadev Yogendra; Published on website: November 2012). |
From the Archives:Reflections on AdolescenceDr Richard Griffith, was a Consultant Psychiatrist based in Melbourne who took a particular interest in the School of Total Education during its early years. In this article he draws on his extensive experience counselling young people and explains why adolescence is such a difficult period in a child’s life. (Author: Richard Griffith; Published on website: August 2012). |
Heart to Heart StorytellingStorytelling sits at the heart of Total Education — whether it is thinking about cooperation, intrinsic motivation, nurturing the spirit of the children, valuing stillness or teaching positive values, storytelling is one of the best ways to communicate with children. (Author: Richard Waters; Published on website: August 2012). |
Working Together to Find a Solution for a Child — Judy CurrieAt a teachers seminar in early 2012, SOTE Deputy Principal, Judy Currie, shared her experience on the subject Working Together to Find a Solution for a Child. (Author: Judy Currie; Published on website: May 2012). |
Working Together to Find a Solution for a Child — Neil RasmussenAt a teachers seminar in early 2012, Senior Art Teacher, Neil Rasmussen, led a workshop on Working Together to Find a Solution for a Child. He shared his thoughts and experience with the teachers as described in the following article. (Author: Neil Rasmussen; Published on website: May 2012). |
From the Archives:The Qualities of a Responsible TeacherDr Anne Silcock was a senior lecturer in Education at the University of Queensland, and a regular contributor to Australian journals, writing about early childhood education, parenting and pre-school programmes. She participated in a number of educational events connected with the School of Total Education. This article was originally published in the Foundation Journal in 1981. (Author: Dr Anne Silcock; Published on website: May 2012). |
Building Resilience in Children and Young PeoplePsychologist Mark Carey spoke on the subject “Building Resilience in Children and Young People” at a Parents Meeting at The School of Total Education in July 2010. (Author: Mark Carey; Published on website: December 2011). |
Valuing StillnessAn address given by Richard Waters to SOTE parents in 2011 on the topic of Valuing Stillness, which is a key part of Total Education. (Author: Richard Waters; Published on website: November 2011). |
From the Archives:The Stress of Teaching and its ManagementThis article is based on an address by Dr Richard Griffith, Consultant Psychiatrist, at the “Mind-Made Health” conference in 1982. In it he notes that teaching is one of the most exacting professions and he goes on to speak about some ways in which teachers can continue to enjoy and find fulfilment in their work instead of disillusionment. (Author: Dr Richard Griffith; Published on website: November 2011). |
SOTE and NAPLANSOTE Principal Richard Waters explains the School’s approach to the National Testing Program, the results of which have been the cause of some concern on the part of Queensland Educators. (Author: Richard Waters; Published on website: September 2011). |
Managing FeedbackThis article is based on a presentation to teachers on managing feedback from students, parents and other teachers. (Author: Pam Isaacs; Published on website: August 2011). |
From the Archives:Total EducationThis article by Vijayadev Yogendra (founder of The School of Total Education) looks at the characteristics of Western psychology which underpin contemporary educational philosophy. He then goes on to examine what would be the characteristics of a more total education. (Author: Vijayadev Yogendra; Published on website: August 2011). |
Parenting As Personal DevelopmentSOTE parent, Lisa Notley, was recently asked to address a school parents meeting on the topic of Parenting As Personal Development. This article, based on her talk, explores the some of the challenges of parenting which can also be opportunities for personal development, as well as how taking the idea of personal development seriously can in turn improve one’s role as a parent. (Author: Lisa Notley; Published on website: May 2011). |
How Much Attention Do Children Need?“Parenting is not a part-time job. Children need attention at the right time and of the right quality. If they receive this attention, they will be satisfied and fulfilled. If they don’t get it, they will go looking for it — often in the wrong way.” This article by SOTE Principal, Richard Waters, attempts to provide practical advice for busy parents about this important question. (Author: Richard Waters; Published on website: May 2011). |
From the Archives:What is Total Education?This concise overview of the philosophy and practice of Total Education by Dr Leo Las Gourgues was originally published in 1977 shortly after the opening of the School of Total Education in Melbourne. Dr Las Gourgues was one of many people who worked with the school’s founder, Vijayadev Yogendra, on the early development of the school in the 1970s. (Author: Leo Las Gourgues; Published on website: May 2011). |
A Poet’s School: A Visit to SantiniketanRichard Waters continues his series on his visit to India with this impression of the school founded by Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore. (Author: Richard Waters; Published: August 2010) |
A Visit to the Aurobindo School in IndiaIn March 2005, Richard Waters visited two schools in India, gaining an insight into alternative education there. This first of two articles looks at the Aurobindo School in Pondicherry. (Author: Richard Waters; Published: August 2010) |
Beyond ProfessionalismSOTE Principal Richard Waters discusses how the role of a teacher requires more than just a commitment to professionalism. (Author: Richard Waters; Published: May 2006) |
The Need for Teacher EducationA good teacher is the most valuable asset of a nation. Teachers can be the redeemers of a void-filled society. We need to re-educate young teachers or select more mature people to be teachers who have more insight and depth in understanding the principles of living. Six ways are suggested to make teacher education more contributive. (Author: Vijayadev Yogendra; Published: July 2002). |
Young Navigators of LifeGrowing up brings the independence to make one’s own decisions and live with the consequences. The only constant is change. Having patience and tolerance allows time for change in ourselves and others. (Author: Genzan Kosaka; Published: May 2002). |
The Educational Philosophy of V.A. SukhomlinskyOverview of the educational approach and philosophy of Russian educator Vasily Aleksandrovich Sukhomlinsky who ran a school at Pavlysh in the Ukraine. Alan Cockerill is the author of “Each One Must Shine”, a biography of Sukhomlinsky. (Author: Alan Cockerill; Published: September 2001). |
InnatenessFostering the inner development of each child allows expression of their unique personality and gifts. SOTE recently ran an “innateness” program for parents. (Author: Jan Gudkovs; Published: September 2001). |
It Takes a Village to Raise a ChildAll the people in the life of a child contribute to the child’s learning. SOTE enrols families, not children. Seeing all children as one’s own. Ways in which parents can contribute. (Author: Richard Waters; Published: September 2001). |