It is important to understand the key impact the teacher’s own self-development, character and ability to self-regulate have on the educational process. Small children first learn through imitation. They often mirror not only what we consciously show them, but also consistent or inconsistent behaviors, attitudes, sentiments and prejudices according to what they observe around them, and which will later crystallize as their future belief system. The teacher’s own benevolent thinking will develop the children’s fairness, moral courage to stand up for what is right, and subtle capacity to discriminate between good and bad. The teacher’s example guides the children towards reverence for all beings, and the correct application of science and resources for collective welfare. Ethical values essential for success and happiness in life are transmitted through all of the educational activities, but especially through the teacher’s own authenticity.
“Politeness and refined behavior are not sufficient. Real education leads to a pervasive sense of love and compassion for all creation.” P. R. Sarkar
Neohumanist education develops the child’s positive thinking, and own self-development, encouraging the development of discrimination and the ability to identify and eliminate limiting stereotypes, assumptions, biases and habits. The child is motivated to make wise choices based on principles of equal rights, questioning self-centered attitudes that consider selfish pleasure as an appropriate or adequate motivation. Rationality and ethical awareness are awakened in the child by interactive discussions designed to freeing the intellect from the limiting stereotypes, assumptions, prejudices and habits by engaging the child in critical thinking.
