Theories and Practices of Integral Education and Integral Drama Based Pedagogy

Book excerpt: Theories and Practices of Integral Education and Integral Drama Based Pedagogy presents studies exploring the deep connections among theories and practices of integral education; and it introduces Integral Drama Based Pedagogy, a new integration of educational, therapeutic, artistic, and social theories and practices. An international group of scholars, teachers, professors, and practitioners have contributed studies that draw upon theories of integral education from various times and cultures as well as practices that exemplify and encourage fresh integrations. The essays are especially relevant because of the current global evolution of education at all levels, from primary school to the university and into the community. This evolution has been inspiring teachers and professors to move beyond their traditional disciplinary boundaries, to engage in transdisciplinary educational models that embody multiple ways of knowing, and to recognize the student as a whole person. Integral Education is not limited to a particular theory or practice: it is expansive. It integrates many models of teaching and learning, for example, Integral Drama Based Pedagogy integrates drama and other expressive arts. It also includes multiple ways of knowing; it embodies teaching and learning through action; and it values the intellectual, physical, and spiritual dimensions of being human.