The Cultivation Of Functional Literacy By Holistic Education Literature Review

Abstract

Holistic education comes as an answer to the needs of modern society, more precisely the needs of a younger generation in constant search for a balance between rational and emotional thinking. One important resolution of holistic education, with a major impact upon the development of the individual is functional literacy. This can be defined as one’s ability to independently use reading-writing in his everyday life and at work, beyond a minimum level, in order to adapt to an ever-changing society. Functional literacy is imperative in permanent education and lifelong learning both so important in nowadays society. This article’s goal is to bring to light new trends at an international and national level which have as goal holistic education. Amongst these directions we can distinguish the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) curricular model and the integrated approach to learning at a primary level. These two perspectives, through their revolutionary approach to learning, require a rethinking of teacher’s competencies by adding new competence domains. Moreover, such an approach would mean teaching has a whole new meaning, starting from the planning phase and continuing with the implementation and evaluation. Also, the concept of learning should be rethought as a process but especially as a product. In conclusion, holistic education can be regarded as an important foundation in the development of functional literacy.