They are interrelated parts of a
complex whole that, like the disparate colors and shapes of a mosaic, form
an integrated partnership that recognizes both their individuality and the
collaboration that exists in a learning community.
In the current climate of accountability, both learners and teachers are too
often viewed as one-dimensional acquirers and purveyors of knowledge by
agencies, administrators, and the public at large. However, the reality is
that both learners and teachers are multifaceted individuals who embody the
sum of their prior experiences and the demands of their current lives and
future aspirations, both within and outside of the classroom.
In order for both learners and teachers to excel, it is necessary to
recognize the complex interactions between their lives at school and their
“situated” lives as members of families and communities. In order to address
the whole learner and the whole teacher, it is necessary to recognize and
address their totality.
Teachers are called upon to do more than just teach; they are called to
nurture holistic learner growth. What resources, then, do teachers need
beyond their TESOL training to prepare them for bringing up whole learners?
Similarly, what resources do students need as they strive for holistic
development? We encourage presentations addressing the complexity and range
of the whole-person teaching and learning experience. |
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