Chirag Jain's Blog

Distractions in Self-Study: What Exactly is the Problem (and how can we fix it)?

If you’ve been studying to pass the competitive exam like JEE,NEET, UPSC or even 10th grade and you’ve been closely following the recommended study plan, you’ve probably been working hard. But have you been working smart? Self-study is hard because you’re studying for an exam that requires you to retain massive amounts of information. The key is to find the right balance between the right amount of time and the right level of effort. If you’re struggling to keep focused, you’re not alone. Many people have the same issues with self-study that you do, which is why we’re writing this blog post to help you understand what you can do to improve your study habits and pass the exam on the first try!

What are the most common distractions in self-study? Many people who study for competitive exams experience a lack of focus and difficulty staying focused on their studies. In many cases, these problems are caused by distractions that are easy to avoid. Here are some of the most common distractions in self-study: - Social Media: If you spend all of your free time on social media, you’re likely to get distracted from your studies. Even though social media isn’t a direct source of distraction, it can still cause you to lose focus. - Bad Habits: Many people make the mistake of “copy-and-pasting” their study habits from the last exam into their current exam. If you’ve been studying for the past three years, this is probably not going to help you pass the exam now! If you’ve developed bad study habits, it’s time to get rid of them. - Your Environment: Your environment plays a huge role in your ability to stay focused. If your room resembles a library, you’re probably not going to be able to stay focused. You need to optimize your environment to help you stay focused on your studies.
Why is distraction so hard to tackle in self-study? People who study for competitive exams tend to be very driven and ambitious people. This is a good quality to have, but it can also make it difficult for you to stay focused on your studies. If you’re constantly worried about your future, you’re not going to have the time or patience to study for a competitive exam. You need to foster a consistent routine that allows you to balance your studies with your life. Another common issue with self-study is that you don’t have a partner to help you study. If you study on your own, it can be hard to stay focused if you don’t have anyone to help you stay focused. Partners can help you brainstorm study plans and make sure you stay focused on your studies.
Stay focused with these strategies There are several strategies you can use to stay focused during your study sessions. Here are some strategies you can use to stay focused during self-study: - Make a Schedule: Failing to make a schedule during your study sessions is one of the biggest errors that people make during self-study. Scheduling your study time is one of the best ways to stay focused during study sessions. - Have a Studymode: A studymode is a plan you use to study for a competitive exam. Your studymode can be created on any platform that allows you to create studies. Studymodes can help you organize your study time and stay focused.- Create an Environment That Supports Learning: If your room looks like a library and your appliances sound like a library, you’re not going to be able to stay focused. You need to make your study environment as conducive to learning as possible.
Take a break If you’re struggling with distractions, it might be time to take a break from self-study. As a matter of fact, you should take a break from studying for at least a couple of weeks before you sit for your competitive exam. If you’re feeling stressed out and you’re struggling to stay focused, a break is always a good idea. Studying for a competitive exam is stressful because it requires massive amounts of effort. If you’ve been studying for a competitive exam for 6 months straight, you need a break before you take the exam again. Taking a break from self-study will allow you to come back to your studies refreshed and ready to tackle your studies with a positive attitude.
Summary Self-study can be very challenging and difficult. If you’re struggling to stay focused during your study time, you need to implement the following strategies: - Make a schedule to stay focused on your studies. - Create an environment that supports learning. - Take a break before taking your competitive exam. There are many things that can distract you from your studies, but the key is to identify them and find ways to avoid them. By staying focused, you’ll be able to pass the exam with flying colors.

Crisis evolution:Strengthening the Soul with Langhams

If you seek mental, emotional, spiritual, and bodily well-being, you should do four Langhanams. It was a basic principle adopted by our ancient Indian ancestors. They referred to it as Langhanam Paramaushadhm, which means that fasting is the best remedy.
 Let's have a look at the evidence first. Cooked vegetables, grains, and other food items, such as rotis, bread, biscuits, and pasta, should be avoided during fasting. Including these foods would have rendered the health advantages of fasting null and void if they had been consumed while fasting.First and foremost, LanghanamDuring the first langhanam, one abstain from eating food. Even though our ancestors didn't think of the human body as an eating machine, a surprising number of people who live in seclusion are constantly snacking. If you continue to eat this way, your health will deteriorate and you will become more susceptible to illness. Rather than relying on your tongue to tell you when you're hungry, listen to your body. Cooking at home can get a rest as well.
Wait until your right nose is full of air before you consume anything. When you breathe via your right nostril, sun energy flows through your body, allowing you to digest your food the most effectively.Fasting might be intermittent, water-only, or a soup-only fast. Remember that even animals go on a fast when they are sick or in need of a health boost.Langhanam may also be eating healthily. Proteins are the building blocks of all immunoglobulins, which are antibodies used to combat disease. Taking in the correct quantity of protein in your diet will help boost your immune system.Being able to reap the benefits of fasting
Fasting is a well-known method of maintaining a healthy physique. In addition to religious reasons, fasting is also used to maintain good health. People should fast in order to avoid illness. Let's take a look at some of the advantages of fasting.
It has been shown that fasting can help avoid a number of long-term health problems including arthritis, asthma and high blood pressure, as well as colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.
Obesity can be treated by fasting. Fasting is the best technique to reduce weight because it is safe and quickly effective. When it comes to your mental health, fasting is a good idea. For example, fasting improves hormones, kidneys, liver, cardiovascular system, red blood cells, and other vital bodily systems. When you fast, you feel lighter. However, during a fast, water and other liquids must be utilized more often. Constipation, gas, heartburn, bloating, headaches, and fevers can all be cured by fasting. Fasting increases the body's energy level by distributing it to all of its parts.In the second Langhanam.
The second langhanam is a pause in breathing. Similarly, the more heat an engine produces, the more quickly it combusts. The intake of breath is the power source for every cell in your body. The ancient yogis fasted their breath. Slow inhalations and powerful exhalations with breath pauses were purposefully practiced. Slow aging is one of the benefits of breath-fasting practiced regularly. You begin to think more optimistically. Negative thoughts can be more easily shaken off your mind.The third Langhanam is here
The third langhanam is abstaining from harsh and gloomy language. People with Vak-Shakti, or the power of speech, are few and few between. Your Vak-Shakti increases as you speak words that are true and bring happiness to others in a pleasant tone more often..


Fasting is the ultimate langhanam. You don't have to be a couch potato and eat popcorn while watching television to have a good time. In order to practice fasting, you must sit still, either by noticing your breath or by listening to the sounds of nature or your divinity. Sit down!! Restlessness is reduced even if you can sit still for just one minute at a time.
Langhanam or fasting is a powerful tool. The more you practice these four langhanams, the more powerful you'll feel in your mind, body, and consciousness overall.

Things that Have an Impact on a Student's Academic Success

Students' performance and outcomes can be greatly impacted by teachers' use of motivation in the classroom. So parents and instructors who want to help their children succeed in school should be aware of the aspects that affect student motivation.
Why Is Motivating Students in the Classroom Essential?
When children are motivated, their focus and behaviour are maintained, and they have the extra energy they need to complete assignments. As a result, it's useful for extending the duration of some tasks. There are numerous ways in which students' behaviour, preferences, and performance can be influenced by motivation in the educational setting. Motivation, for example:
assisting us in focusing on the things that need to be done,
we can accomplish these things in a shorter amount of time while maintaining our attention for a longer period of time,
improve your ability to focus and reject distractions
our ability to keep and preserve information
Persuade others of the relative ease or difficulty of jobs.
Motivation is the most crucial factor in spurring us to do action. Parents, instructors, and students all have a role to play. The best outcomes can be achieved with the correct blend. Without it, it may be difficult or even impossible for certain people to complete the task.


1. Class and Curriculum Design
When there is order, children thrive; when there is disorder, they struggle. Students feel more at ease when they realise that classes have a set framework and that the curriculum and class materials have been planned in advance.
One of our most basic desires is to have a sense of safety. Students can better concentrate on their studies when those conditions are present in the classroom.
Classes and curricula must be planned carefully by educators if they want to make pupils feel more safe. Preparation for all class materials should begin well in advance. A course or class's objectives might be stated by the instructor at the start of the semester or the class.


Personality and Behaviour of Teachers
The way a student feels about their teacher, whether it's fear or dislike, can have an impact on how they approach the subject as a whole. Students' motivation in school can be lowered if a teacher shows a preference for some students or uses disparaging and degrading language.
The opposite is also true: pupils' desire to learn can be increased by the use of kindness, optimism, positive comments, and encouragement.


3. Instructional Strategies
When teachers employ a variety of instructional strategies, students are more likely to remain engaged in their studies. As a result of this, students are less likely to become bored. Providing the option of working with a certain partner might also be advantageous.
Different learning styles are common amongst the students in a particular class. In order to better fulfil the needs of their students, a teacher should use several teaching strategies.


4) Parental Behaviors and Involvement
The intrinsic motivation of children can be influenced by a variety of parenting behaviours. Among them are:
encouraging the child's interest in the subject matter
by way of getting to know them better and finding out about their day,
actively taking notes,
assisting with the learning of new skills or tasks,
attending meetings with one's parents,
Encouraging the completion of homework or preparation for an exam by children.
Reading is another practise that has been shown to enhance motivation. Reading aloud to and with young children accelerates their progress toward literacy. However, a student's later academic achievement can be determined by their reading comprehension ability.


5. Family Problems and Uncertainty
Motivation can be negatively impacted by a lack of security at home, just like it can be negatively impacted by a lack of security at school.
Children who have both parents in their lives tend to fare better in school. Academic performance can suffer as a result of family strife and instability. Here are a few examples:
divorce,
when one or both of one's parents have passed away
not sharing a home with one's biological parents,
not being able to communicate with one's biological parents,
a pattern of often changing residences,
Therefore, schools may need to provide additional assistance to pupils in such cases.


Interactions with coworkers
As children get older, so does the impact of their classmates on them. Problems and disagreements with classmates can impair a student's self-esteem, raise his or her stress level, and decrease his or her interest in school.
Peer conflicts, bullying, and other difficulties can be avoided by keeping an eye on them.


Proper Instructional Context
Another aspect of the learning environment that has an impact on student motivation is the temperature of the classroom. Schools and colleges have distinct rules and regulations in place to create a certain atmosphere.
Students who thrive in a safe and supportive learning environment are better able to meet their fundamental needs, such as food, and are better able to form good social connections.
There is a correlation between too many classes and a learning atmosphere that is overly serious. Creating a lively atmosphere in the classroom can help students stay motivated and achieve better results. Additionally, making time for recreation and relaxation is a smart move.

8. Ongoing evaluationsIn spite of the fact that standardised assessments might raise the bar for academic achievement, they can have a detrimental impact on students' motivation if they are used too frequently and with too much stress. In places like Finland, primary school students do not take any tests. Despite the absence of testing, Finnish children are more successful academically.In addition, it is normal for pupils to lose interest if assessments are excessively difficult. This does not provide students a sense of accomplishment and eventually diminishes their drive in school. As a result, instructors must experiment with and use a variety of assessment approaches that can accommodate students' varying learning styles. It is necessary to achieve the concept of flow, in which the student is sufficiently pushed but does not find it too difficult or easy. These pupils have shown the most improvement.


Distractions are becoming more widespread in today's children, thus a positive feedback and incentive is essential to overcome them. Military commandos aren't exactly known for their ability to handle stressful situations like these, but a comparable training programme can help students become more aware of their emotions and take control. The US military's VUCA training is a good illustration of how training may help people cope with uncertainty. Covid 19 is just one example of how we need to better prepare our children for the future. When it comes to future benchmarks, adaptability and flexibility will be key.


Finally, the adversity quotient, which deals with life's unexpected events and stress, is high in some people from an early age. When it comes to some, they'll need to be taught from an early age. Exams are like battles for soldiers these days, and our children need to be prepared to do better than their peers.

Factors that Affect Students ‘Performance in Academics

Motivation in education can have a dramatic impact on students’ performance and results. Therefore, parents and teachers who are willing to help their children do better in school should be aware of the factors that affect student motivation.
Why Is Motivation in Education Important?Motivation is the state that can maintain students’ attention and behaviour as well as provides with more energy to needed to lead tasks to completion. Thus, it can help sustain activities over a period of time. In education, motivation can have a variety of effects on students’ behaviour, preferences, and results. For instance, motivation can:help us direct our attention toward tasks that need to be done,allow us to do these tasks in shorter periods of time as well as maintain attention during a longer time,minimise distractions and resist them better,affect how much information we retain and store,Influence the perception of how easy or difficult tasks can appear.Most importantly, motivation urges to us perform an action. It is multifactorial depending upon parents, teachers and students. The right mixture gives the best results. Without it, completing the action can be hard or even impossible for some.
1. Class and Curriculum StructureChildren thrive when there is structure and struggle when there is chaos. When students sense or see that classes follow a structure, and the curriculum and class materials have been prepared beforehand, it provides them with a greater sense of security.The feeling of security is one of our basic needs. When that’s provided in a learning environment, it allows students to fully focus on the learning material.To help students feel more secure, educators need to plan classes and curriculum. All materials that will be used in class should be prepared in advance. Educators can also state the objectives of a course or class at the beginning of a semester or a class.
2. Teacher Behaviour and PersonalityIf a student has a negative emotion such as fear or disliking towards their teacher, that can negatively affect their attitude toward the subject as a whole. If a teacher shows a preference towards certain students or uses derogatory and humiliating language, that can lower their motivation in education.On the other hand, kindness, optimism, positive feedback, and encouragement can positively affect students’ motivation to learn.
3. Teaching MethodsStudents are more likely to retain their motivation in education if educators use different teaching methods. That creates diversity and prevents students from getting bored. Giving room for certain choices such as which partner they’d like to work with can be beneficial too.Students in a single class are likely to have different styles of learning. Thus, a teacher is more likely to meet these needs by applying different teaching methods.
4. Parental Habits and InvolvementQuite a few parental habits can indirectly affect the motivation of children, intrinsic motivation in particular. These include:showing interest in the child’s learning material,inquiring about their day,actively listening,helping with specific tasks or skills taught ,attending parent meetings,Encouraging children t complete homework or study for a test.Another habit that’s been proven to improve motivation, is reading. Reading to and with children helps them develop literacy faster than talking does. However, reading comprehension level can determine students’ success in later years.
5. Instability and Family Issues Same as the lack of security in the classroom, the lack of security at home can negatively impact motivation in education.Children who live with both parents, on average get better grades than children who don’t. Family conflicts and disruption can result in poorer academic performance. Some examples include:divorce,loss of one or both parents,not living with the biological father or mother,not having contact with the biological father or mother,frequently moving from one home to another,As a result, in certain instances, additional support may be needed from schools to help students with their issues.
6.  Relationships with peersAs children grow older, the influence peers have upon them increases as well. Therefore, problems and conflicts with peers can make students feel less secure about their social status among peers, increase their stress levels, and lower motivation in education.Keeping an eye on any conflicts, bullying, and other peer issues can prevent serious problems.
7. Right Learning EnvironmentStudy environment or  climate is another factor that affects motivation in education. Study environment refers to different norms and regulations that determine the overall climate in the schools and colleges.Positive school environment makes students feel safe and secure, meets their basic needs such as daily meals, and provides an optimal environment for them to build healthy social relationships.Too many classes and learning environment that’s too serious can also lower motivation in education. Adding a fun element to classes can help to ease the atmosphere and improve motivation and results. Allowing enough time for play and rest can also have a positive effect.

8. Frequent assessmentsWhile standardised assessment increases the standards of attainment, it can negatively influence students’ motivation in education if frequent and over stressed, especially at a younger age. The opposite can be seen in countries like Finland where primary school children do not get any tests. Despite the lack of assessment, Finnish children display higher academic achievements.It is also common for students to lose motivation if tests are continuously too challenging. This does not provide a sense of achievement and lowers motivation in education over time. Thus, it’s important for educators to experiment with and apply different testing methods which would be able to address the different learning needs of students. The concept of flow where the student is challenged enough and does not find it too tough or too easy needs to be attained. Maximum improvement is seen such students.
Overall the need to have a positive feedback and motivation is a must to overcome distractions which are more common in today’s children. The need to train for exam stress like the commandos in army for dealing with tough situations especially psychologically is an overstatement but a similar program can make them aware of their feelings and be in command. The VUCA training in US army is an example of how training helps in dealing with uncertainties in life. Covid 19 is one such example where we need to make our students more future ready and resilient. To adapt to changes and complex situation will be the new benchmark of the coming times.
Lastly talking about the Adversity quotient which deals with untoward incidents and stress in our lives are high from early childhood in some. While there are others who need to be trained from early life. Exam stress in today's world is nothing less than battles for soldiers and our children need to be trained to outperform with glorifying results.

You're afraid of Corona, aren't ya?

  
Anxiety over the COVID-19 virus can be debilitating, especially if you have an anxiety issue to begin with. However, you aren't completely powerless. These pointers can assist you in coping with the stress of this period.

Recognizing and managing your stressIt's a horrible period. A global pandemic has struck, and towns and countries alike have been forced to close their doors. Some of us live in locations where coronavirus has already spread. Others are preparing themselves for the worst. And we're all keeping tabs on the news and wondering, "What's next?"Many people find the ambiguity around coronavirus to be the most difficult to deal with. We have no idea how awful things will get or how much of an impact they will have on us. Catastrophizing and spiralling into a state of dread and terror is all too simple because of this. Even in the face of this unprecedented catastrophe, there are numerous things you can do to manage your anxiety and panic.
Stay up to date, but don't constantly scan the headlines every day.
Make sure you know what's going on around you so that you can take the appropriate safety precautions and help to halt the spread of coronavirus. However, there is a lot of misinformation and sensationalistic media that simply serves to stoke the fires of irrationality. When it comes to what you read and see, you need to be careful.
• Only rely on reputable sources and your local health department.
Check for updates only once every several hours. Anxiety can be exacerbated rather than alleviated by constant monitoring of news and social media feeds. Keep an eye on how you're feeling, because everyone's threshold is unique.
In the event that you feel overwhelmed, take a break from the media. You may want to limit your media consumption to a set time period and/or a specific time of day if you are experiencing anxiety (e.g. thirty minutes each evening at 6 pm).
Ask a trusted friend or family member to pass along crucial information. A trusted friend or family member can pass along important news to you if you prefer to shun the media.
Keep your personal information private. Check facts before passing them on to others. We must all do our part to prevent the spread of rumours and the instigation of unwarranted fear.
Don't worry about what you can't change.
We're living through a period of enormous change. We have no idea how long the pandemic will endure, how other people will act, or what will happen in our neighbourhoods. A difficult thing to accept, and many of us respond by exploring the Internet for answers and contemplating all of the possible outcomes.. To put it another way, this method won't help us if we're focusing on questions with unknown solutions and conditions that are beyond our control.
When you start to worry about the future, try to focus on the things you can control. There is no way for you to influence how serious the coronavirus outbreak in your city or town will be. However, you can take efforts to lower your own personal risk (and the danger that you'll unintentionally spread it to others), such as:
At least 20 seconds of hand washing with soap and water or a hand sanitizer that includes at least 60% alcohol should be performed at least once a day.
• refraining from rubbing your face (particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth).
• even if you don't feel sick, stay at home as much as possible.
• avoiding large groups of more than ten people.
Shopping and travel should be avoided at all costs.
keeping at least six feet between oneself and other people while out and about is recommended.
sleeping well, which aids in the maintenance of your immune system.
• according to all health authority guidelines.
Plan for what you can do
As a parent, it's understandable to worry about what might happen if you lose your job, your children are unable to go to school, or you or someone you care about becomes ill. As frightening as these possibilities may be to contemplate, acting proactive can alleviate some of the stress.
In order to better understand how the coronavirus may affect your life, write down particular concerns you have. Take a break if you start to feel overwhelmed.
Think of all the possible answers you can come up with and write them down. Let go of your desire for "perfect" solutions. Include whatever you can think of that might assist you get through the day.
Rather than focusing on things that are beyond of your control, focus on what you can do to improve the situation.
Draw out a plan of action after you've weighed all of your possibilities. Afterward, put it away and resist the temptation to return to it unless your situation drastically changes.
Keep in touch, even if you're far away from others.
Coronavirus can be transmitted even if the infected person does not display any signs of illness, according to research. That's why social distancing is the most important thing most people can do right now to make a good impact.
Distancing yourself from your friends and family can have its drawbacks. Biologically, we are social beings. To connect with others, we're born with a predisposition towards it. Depression and anxiety are exacerbated by feelings of isolation and loneliness. Keeping in touch and reaching out for help is essential, even if we are cutting back on face-to-face interaction.


Keeping in touch with loved ones is essential. Think considering scheduling regular phone, chat, or Skype dates to combat your tendency to withdraw when sad or stressed.
If you can't meet face-to-face, try video conferencing instead. This "vitamin" for your mental health reduces your risk of depression and alleviates stress and anxiety through face-to-face contact.
If you're looking for a way to interact with people in your life and the world, social networking is a terrific option. It serves as a gentle reminder that we are not alone.
Be aware of how social media affects your mood. Never be afraid to mute remarks or individuals who make you feel anxious. And if it's making you feel worse, log out of the site.
Keep coronavirus out of the conversation at all times. Relaxation from worrying about the pandemic is essential; laughing, sharing tales, and focusing on other aspects of our lives are good ways to do this.
Be careful who you confide in when you're in need of emotional assistance because emotions are contagious.
Every one of us is going to require some kind of support or encouragement throughout this difficult period. In choosing a sounding board, be careful. It's not just the coronavirus that can spread. Emotions, too! Avoid discussing about the virus with persons who are pessimistic or who amplify your anxiety. Make the most of the people in your life who are both empathetic and logical in their thinking.
Take good care of yourself on all levels.
The tried-and-true methods of stress management, such as eating well, sleeping well, and meditating, nevertheless hold true in these hard times. In addition, here are some self-care strategies for dealing with the coronavirus' specific interruptions.
It's important to treat yourself with compassion. If you're feeling more depressed or anxious than normal, don't be too hard on yourself. You're not the only one who's going through the same things you are.
As much as possible, stick to a schedule. In the event that you're stranded in your own home, it is best to maintain a normal sleep, schooling, meal, or work schedule. A sense of normalcy will be restored.
It's important to take time out to do things you love. Whether it's a novel, a comedy, a board game, a craft, or a piece of art, there's something for everyone. Regardless of what you do, it doesn't matter as long as it helps you get your mind off of your concerns.
If you can, get out into nature. Getting some sunshine and fresh air will be beneficial. Even a short stroll around the block can lift your spirits. Avoid crowds, keep your distance from strangers, and abide by local rules and regulations.
• Find a way to get some physical activity in. Anxiety, tension, and depression can all be alleviated by engaging in physical activity. While the gym and group programmes are closed, you can still go cycling, hiking, or jogging on your own. Alternatively, if you're confined to your house, you can find workout videos to follow online. If you don't have any equipment, you can still do yoga and exercises that use your own weight.
Keep away from self-medication. If you're struggling with anxiety or depression, don't turn to alcohol and other substances to ease your symptoms. Avoid if you're prone to overdoing things even when things are going well.
Get into the habit of meditating. Restoring your neurological system's equilibrium is possible through the use of relaxation practises including deep breathing, meditation, and yoga. The best results come from consistent practise, so try to carve out some time each day to dedicate to it.
Help others out (it will make you feel better)
It's easy to get caught up in your own anxieties and worries during moments like this. It's vital to take a breath and remember that we're all in this together, despite the reports of people fighting over toilet paper or line up outside gun stores. "We're standing far apart now so that we might embrace each other afterwards," an Italian saying goes.
In times of crisis, those who focus on helping others and supporting their communities are more likely to be happy and healthy than those who focus on themselves. Donating your time and energy to others can have a positive impact on your neighbourhood, your state of mind, and even the rest of the globe. This pandemic is causing a lot of people to feel helpless. Being nice and helpful to others can give you a feeling of purpose and meaning in your life, and help you reclaim control over your circumstances.
Even if you choose to isolate yourself or keep a social distance from others, you can still do a lot to aid them.
Follow precautionary measures to keep the illness from spreading. You may help save the lives of those in your community who are most vulnerable by staying at home, washing your hands frequently, and avoiding direct contact with others.
Don't hesitate to help those in need. If you know elderly or disabled persons in your neighbourhood who are isolated, you can still help them. Helping an elderly neighbour with their shopping or filling a prescription could be an excellent idea. Packages can be dropped off at their door to prevent any direct interaction with them. It's possible that they just need a kind voice to talk to on the phone. It is possible to connect with the most vulnerable members in your community through a variety of local social media groups.
Make a donation to a food bank. In addition to depleting grocery store shelves, panic purchasing and hoarding have limited supply at food banks. Giving food or money to those in need is an excellent way to make a difference in the lives of seniors, low-income families, and anybody else.
Assist in reducing tension. Help those you care about who are in a state of fear by providing a sense of perspective. Refer them to credible news sources instead of spreading fear or giving attention to unfounded claims. Even when you're dealing with your own anxiety, being a supportive and uplifted presence in the lives of others can lift your own spirits.
Be considerate of others' feelings. Speak up if you hear unfavourable stereotypes that just encourage prejudice about infectious diseases because they are not linked to any racial or ethnic group. We all have the power to spread love and charity even quicker than the virus does if we have the appropriate mindset and intentions.

Are you scared of Corona?

  
Fears about COVID-19 can take an emotional toll, especially if you’re already living with an anxiety disorder. But you’re not powerless. These tips can help you get through this stressful time.

Understanding your anxietyIt’s a frightening time. We’re in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, with cities and even entire countries shutting down. Some of us are in areas that have already been affected by coronavirus. Others are bracing for what may come. And all of us are watching the headlines and wondering, “What is going to happen next?”For many people, the uncertainty surrounding coronavirus is the hardest thing to handle. We don’t know how exactly we’ll be impacted or how bad things might get. And that makes it all too easy to catastrophize and spiral out into overwhelming dread and panic. But there are many things you can do—even in the face of this unique crisis—to manage your anxiety and fears.Stay informed—but don’t obsessively check the newsIt’s vital to stay informed, particularly about what’s happening in your community, so you can follow advised safety precautions and do your part to slow the spread of coronavirus. But there’s a lot of misinformation going around, as well as sensationalistic coverage that only feeds into fear. It’s important to be discerning about what you read and watch.• Stick to trustworthy sources  and your local public health authorities.• Limit how often you check for updates. Constant monitoring of news and social media feeds can quickly turn compulsive and counterproductive—fueling anxiety rather than easing it. The limit is different for everyone, so pay attention to how you’re feeling and adjust accordingly.• Step away from media if you start feeling overwhelmed. If anxiety is an ongoing issue, consider limiting your media consumption to a specific time frame and time of day (e.g. thirty minutes each evening at 6 pm).• Ask someone reliable to share important updates. If you’d feel better avoiding media entirely, ask someone you trust to pass along any major updates you need to know about.• Be careful what you share. Do your best to verify information before passing it on. We all need to do our part to avoid spreading rumors and creating unnecessary panic.Focus on the things you can controlWe’re in a time of massive upheaval. There are so many things outside of our control, including how long the pandemic lasts, how other people behave, and what’s going to happen in our communities. That’s a tough thing to accept, and so many of us respond by endlessly searching the Internet for answers and thinking over all the different scenarios that might happen. But as long as we’re focusing on questions with unknowable answers and circumstances outside of our personal control, this strategy will get us nowhere—aside from feeling drained, anxious, and overwhelmed.When you feel yourself getting caught up in fear of what might happen, try to shift your focus to things you can control. For example, you can’t control how severe the coronavirus outbreak is in your city or town, but you can take steps to reduce your own personal risk (and the risk you’ll unknowingly spread it to others), such as:• washing your hands frequently (for at least 20 seconds) with soap and water or a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.• avoiding touching your face (particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth).• staying home as much as possible, even if you don’t feel sick.• avoiding crowds and gatherings of 10 or more people.• avoiding all non-essential shopping and travel.• keeping 6 feet of distance between yourself and others when out.• getting plenty of sleep, which helps support your immune system.• following all recommendations from health authorities.Plan for what you canIt’s natural to be concerned about what may happen if your workplace closes, your children have to stay home from school, you or someone you love gets sick, or you have to self-quarantine. While these possibilities can be scary to think about, being proactive can help relieve at least some of the anxiety.• Write down specific worries you have about how coronavirus may disrupt your life. If you start feeling overwhelmed, take a break.• Make a list of all the possible solutions you can think of. Try not to get too hung up on “perfect” options. Include whatever comes to mind that could help you get by.• Focus on concrete things you can problem solve or change, rather than circumstances beyond your control.• After you’ve evaluated your options, draw up a plan of action. When you’re done, set it aside and resist the urge to go back to it until you need it or your circumstances significantly change.Stay connected—even when physically isolatedEvidence shows that many people with coronavirus—particularly young, seemingly healthy people—don’t have symptoms but can still spread the virus. That’s why the biggest thing that most people can do right now to make a positive difference is to practice social distancing.But social distancing comes with its own risks. Humans are social animals. We’re hardwired for connection. Isolation and loneliness can exacerbate anxiety and depression, and even impact our physical health. That’s why it’s important to stay connected as best we can and reach out for support when we need it, even as we cut back on in-person socializing.
• Make it a priority to stay in touch with friends and family. If you tend to withdraw when depressed or anxious, think about scheduling regular phone, chat, or Skype dates to counteract that tendency.• While in-person visits are limited, substitute video chatting if you’re able. Face-to-face contact is like a “vitamin” for your mental health, reducing your risk of depression and helping ease stress and anxiety.• Social media can be a powerful tool—not only for connecting with friends, family, and acquaintances—but for feeling connected in a greater sense to our communities, country, and the world. It reminds us we’re not alone.• That said, be mindful of how social media is making you feel. Don’t hesitate to mute keywords or people who are exacerbating your anxiety. And log off if it’s making you feel worse.• Don’t let coronavirus dominate every conversation. It’s important to take breaks from stressful thoughts about the pandemic to simply enjoy each other’s company—to laugh, share stories, and focus on other things going on in our lives.Emotions are contagious, so be wise about who you turn to for supportAll of us are going to need reassurance, advice, or a sympathetic ear during this difficult time. But be careful who you choose as a sounding board. The coronavirus is not the only thing that’s contagious. So are emotions! Avoid talking about the virus with people who tend to be negative or who reinforce and ramp up your fears. Turn to the people in your life who are thoughtful, level-headed, and good listeners. Take care of your body and spiritThis is an extraordinarily trying time, and all the tried-and-true stress management strategies apply, such as eating healthy meals, getting plenty of sleep, and meditating. Beyond that, here are some tips for practicing self-care in the face of the unique disruptions caused by the coronavirus.• Be kind to yourself. Go easy on yourself if you’re experiencing more depression or anxiety than usual. You’re not alone in your struggles.• Maintain a routine as best you can. Even if you’re stuck at home, try to stick to your regular sleep, school, meal, or work schedule. This can help you maintain a sense of normalcy.• Take time out for activities you enjoy. Read a good book, watch a comedy, play a fun board or video game, make something—whether it’s a new recipe, a craft, or a piece of art. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as it takes you out of your worries.• Get out in nature, if possible. Sunshine and fresh air will do you good. Even a walk around your neighborhood can make you feel better. Just be sure to avoid crowds, keep your distance from people you encounter, and obey restrictions in your area.• Find ways to exercise. Staying active will help you release anxiety, relieve stress, and manage your mood. While the gym and group classes are out, you can still cycle, hike, or walk. Or if you’re stuck at home, look online for exercise videos you can follow. There are many things you can do even without equipment, such as yoga and exercises that use your own bodyweight.• Avoid self-medicating. Be careful that you’re not using alcohol or other substances to deal with anxiety or depression. If you tend to overdo it in the best of times, it may be a good idea to avoid for now.• Take up a relaxation practice. When stressors throw your nervous system out of balance, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can bring you back into a state of equilibrium. Regular practice delivers the greatest benefits, so see if you can set aside even a little time every day.Help others (it will make you feel better)At times like this, it’s easy to get caught up in your own fears and concerns. But amid all the stories of people fighting over rolls of toilet paper or lining up outside gun stores to arm themselves, it’s important to take a breath and remember that we’re all in this together. As a quote circulating in Italy reminds us: “We’re standing far apart now so we can embrace each other later.”It’s no coincidence that those who focus on others in need and support their communities, especially during times of crises, tend to be happier and healthier than those who act selfishly. Helping others not only makes a difference to your community—and even to the wider world at this time—it can also support your own mental health and well-being. Much of the anguish accompanying this pandemic stems from feeling powerless. Doing kind and helpful acts for others can help you regain a sense of control over your life—as well as adding meaning and purpose.Even when you’re self-isolating or maintaining social distance, there’s still plenty you can do to help others.Follow guidelines for preventing the spread of the virus. Even if you’re not in a high-risk group, staying at home, washing your hands frequently, and avoiding contact with others can help save the lives of the most vulnerable in your community and prevent overburdening the healthcare system.Reach out to others in need. If you know people in your community who are isolated—particularly the elderly or disabled—you can still offer support. Perhaps an older neighbor needs help with groceries or fulfilling a prescription? You can always leave packages on their doorstep to avoid direct contact. Or maybe they just need to hear a friendly, reassuring voice over the phone. Many local social media groups can help put you in touch with vulnerable people in your area.Donate to food banks. Panic-buying and hoarding have not only left grocery store shelves stripped bare but have also drastically reduced supplies to food banks. You can help older adults, low-income families, and others in need by donating food or cash.Be a calming influence. If friends or loved ones are panicking, try to help them gain some perspective on the situation. Instead of scaremongering or giving credence to false rumors, refer them to reputable news sources. Being a positive, uplifting influence in these anxious times can help you feel better about your own situation too.Be kind to others. An infectious disease is not connected to any racial or ethnic group, so speak up if you hear negative stereotypes that only promote prejudice. With the right outlook and intentions, we can all ensure that kindness and charity spread throughout our communities even faster than this virus.

Why is children's behaviour worse than it has ever been, and can we improve it?

Raising children is a joy, except when it’s absolutely maddening. And it may be more frustrating today than it’s ever been is told by most parents in today’s modern India.

Is there an epidemic of misbehaviour? Are kids really worse now than they used to be?

Kids are definitely worse now than they have been. It’s impossible to prove 100 per cent why this is the case, but I think there is very compelling evidence. There’s three factors that really align with the timing of the change in kids. The dramatic decline in play in children today compared with a generation or two ago. Kids are pretty much constantly supervised from the time they are born until they’re maybe 18 when they leave home, so they never learn to manage their own behaviour. The second big factor is media and the growth of so much media that’s bombarding us with information and ideas about who we should be and what we should want.

Forty years ago kids figured out who they should be and what they should want, mostly by thinking about themselves. We’ve seen clinical research that this external focus is associated with anxiety and depression. The third big factor is just the decline in our communities and connection in our families. Maybe a generation ago a child would be in charge of a younger sibling, or they would have had a job of putting dinner on the table, and now their job is to get straight A’s and be a super star.

Why are chores linked to a kid’s happiness?

Household chores are one of the biggest links to happiness because when you do a chore you immediately see how your family benefits, or you benefit or your home is neater, and you get that immediate feedback and positive reinforcement.

Do you think parents are too controlling these days?

We have this impulse to make our kids do things as if that is our job. Actually, our job is to help them figure out how to control themselves. When we are controlling or critical it doesn’t teach our children anything. The more that children have independence, the less they fight with you, because they feel empowered.

Describe what you call the apprenticeship model of parenting?

The first and most important element is connection with the child. Without that connection, nothing can happen – no discipline, or learning or co-operation will happen. The second is communicating with the child about what is going on with what you’re willing to do and what they’re willing to do, and where you can compromise. The third is capability building, and I think that’s the one that parents are not as focused on. The more you and your child both can recognize and acknowledge the growth in their skills – maybe two months ago your kid was always leaving their backpack and having to run back in for it and now they’ve started to remember it – the more you can help your child recognize they are growing. Eventually that little person will become self-sufficient and independent.

Why is harsh verbal discipline is so counterproductive?

The problem is that we as parents are the source of self-regulation for our children. They don’t yet have all of the ability to manage their executive function and to manage their emotions. So we, just by our presence, our physical touch and our own calm physiology, help them to self-regulate. If we’re calm, they will be, too. If we’re yelling, they’ll be agitated and in that fight or flight stage.

But we’re all going to yell at our kids once and a while, aren’t we?

None of us is perfect. When I yell at my kids in the heat of the moment I try as quickly as possible to say, “I’m really sorry, I lost my temper.” And if next time you can catch yourself before you yell and say out loud, “I feel that I am about to yell. I am going to go outside and just go around the block until I cool down,” that’s giving your child another strategy of how to calm down and how to help them manage their strong feelings.

Why kids’ behaviour may be worse than ever − and Can we fix it?

Raising children is a joy, except when it’s absolutely maddening. And it may be more frustrating today than it’s ever been is told by most parents in today’s modern India. Is there an epidemic of misbehaviour? Are kids really worse now than they used to be?Kids are definitely worse now than they have been. It’s impossible to prove 100 per cent why this is the case, but I think there is very compelling evidence. There’s three factors that really align with the timing of the change in kids. The dramatic decline in play in children today compared with a generation or two ago. Kids are pretty much constantly supervised from the time they are born until they’re maybe 18 when they leave home, so they never learn to manage their own behaviour. The second big factor is media and the growth of so much media that’s bombarding us with information and ideas about who we should be and what we should want. Forty years ago kids figured out who they should be and what they should want, mostly by thinking about themselves. We’ve seen clinical research that this external focus is associated with anxiety and depression. The third big factor is just the decline in our communities and connection in our families. Maybe a generation ago a child would be in charge of a younger sibling, or they would have had a job of putting dinner on the table, and now their job is to get straight A’s and be a super star.Why are chores linked to a kid’s happiness?Household chores are one of the biggest links to happiness because when you do a chore you immediately see how your family benefits, or you benefit or your home is neater, and you get that immediate feedback and positive reinforcement.Do you think parents are too controlling these days?We have this impulse to make our kids do things as if that is our job. Actually, our job is to help them figure out how to control themselves. When we are controlling or critical it doesn’t teach our children anything. The more that children have independence, the less they fight with you, because they feel empowered.Describe what you call the apprenticeship model of parenting?The first and most important element is connection with the child. Without that connection, nothing can happen – no discipline, or learning or co-operation will happen. The second is communicating with the child about what is going on with what you’re willing to do and what they’re willing to do, and where you can compromise. The third is capability building, and I think that’s the one that parents are not as focused on. The more you and your child both can recognize and acknowledge the growth in their skills – maybe two months ago your kid was always leaving their backpack and having to run back in for it and now they’ve started to remember it – the more you can help your child recognize they are growing. Eventually that little person will become self-sufficient and independent.Why is harsh verbal discipline is so counterproductive?The problem is that we as parents are the source of self-regulation for our children. They don’t yet have all of the ability to manage their executive function and to manage their emotions. So we, just by our presence, our physical touch and our own calm physiology, help them to self-regulate. If we’re calm, they will be, too. If we’re yelling, they’ll be agitated and in that fight or flight stage.But we’re all going to yell at our kids once and a while, aren’t we?None of us is perfect. When I yell at my kids in the heat of the moment I try as quickly as possible to say, “I’m really sorry, I lost my temper.” And if next time you can catch yourself before you yell and say out loud, “I feel that I am about to yell. I am going to go outside and just go around the block until I cool down,” that’s giving your child another strategy of how to calm down and how to help them manage their strong feelings.

Are we passing down wisdom or knowledge to our children?

They were nothing if they weren't well-educated and sophisticated enough to bring down corporations like Enron, Global Crossing, and WorldCom. However, one can't help but wonder whether there was something fundamentally missing from the education they received. Even today's terrorist is far removed from the cliché of an ignorant peasant who joins an organisation because he or she has nothing else to do and does not take any responsibility for his or her actions. Terrorists who are operating in our shadows are, on the other hand, well-educated and well-educated people from all over the world. As soon as something goes awry, they rely only on their brains to figure out a way to fix it. It's becoming increasingly clear that their schooling was fundamentally flawed.How do I know what it is? In my opinion, the problem is that most of the time, we teach students to be smart and knowledgeable, but not how to put those skills to good use. Instead of focusing solely on memorization of facts and a cursory degree of analysis, schools should be educating students for wisdom.If you want to learn wisdom, you need to understand that it isn't just about what you know but how you apply what you know. They are preparing students for the "fourth R," which the Bush administration recently referred to as "responsibility." There are four common misconceptions that smart but dumb and irresponsible people, including some who have or have run significant corporations in our country, demonstrate.
Egocentrism
When people think the world revolves around them, they fall prey to the egocentric fallacy. As the egomaniacs' requirements alter, other individuals are seen as merely tools to be utilised and then discarded. So why do intelligent individuals have such narrow perspectives? People who have traditionally been regarded as intelligent tend to become so focused on themselves that they lose sight of the wants and needs of those around them.
Omniscience
A person must have the ability to discern what he or she knows and doesn't know at any given moment, as well as what can and cannot be known. Because of this, the second fallacy is all too common, even among the brightest among us.
The illusion of omniscience arises when people begin to believe that they are not only experts in the fields in which they have studied, but also that they are well-versed in virtually every subject under the sun. As a result, people are vulnerable to making disastrous decisions on the basis of insufficient information that they are unaware of.
Omnipotence
The erroneous belief that omniscience equates to omnipotence is the root of the omnipotence fallacy. People in positions of authority may begin to believe that they are invincible. Furthermore, they disregard the age-old adage that power corrupts, but only absolute power corrupts completely. Due to the fourth fallacy, people do not consider the possible implications of their acts.
Invulnerability
The myth of invulnerability is based on the erroneous belief that one can do anything one wants if one is all-knowing and all-powerful. And they can get away with anything because they are all-knowing. The likelihood is that they'll be unnoticed. In the event that they are found, however, they believe they will be able to avoid punishment since they are smarter than those who have caught up to them.
Is it possible for clever people to avoid making the same kinds of mistakes that ignorant people do?
Wisdom, according to me, is the ability to use one's intellect and experience to benefit the greater good. A delicate balancing act is required to reach this goal.
internal (to oneself),
relating to one's fellow human beings
Over the medium and long run, extrapersonal (i.e., non-personal, such as institutional) interests
This means that sensible people are concerned not only for themselves, but also for everyone else to whom they owe any sort of duty.
The implication of this viewpoint is that intelligence alone is insufficient. It's critical to have a level of wisdom as well.
Schools should seriously explore including wisdom-related abilities into their curriculum for a number of reasons.
Knowledge alone is not enough for wisdom, and it surely does not ensure happiness, contentment, or a desire to behave in a way that goes beyond one's own benefit. Wisdom appears to be a more effective means of achieving these objectives.
Wisdom also allows us to incorporate thoughtful and deliberative ideals into our crucial decisions. If you want to be wise, you cannot be impetuous, mindless, or immoral.
Third, wisdom is a path to a better, more peaceful world.


Hitler, Stalin, and others may have had some information. For their own self-interest, they may have been excellent critical thinkers. They were foolish.
Finally, students, who will go on to be parents and leaders, are always a part of a broader society. This is why it's important that they learn the art of judging righteously on behalf of their community.
Instability does not exist in a vacuum if the future is marred by war and upheaval. We are the source and repository of it all. It's for all of these reasons that students need to think critically (and even creatively) about the material they're learning as well as think carefully about their studies in general.
Any subject matter can be used to teach wisdom.
As a result, students develop the ability to think critically and to see things from a variety of perspectives, both past and present. For example, a "settler" may be referred to as a "invader" by another group. One group may refer to "Manifest Destiny" as "land theft," while another group may refer to it as "land grab." Peace or at least avoidance of war is largely dependent on students' ability to grasp how other nations and cultures see issues and their solutions differently from our own. However, the ultimate objective should not be acceptance of these other viewpoints or even a compromise, but rather an understanding that solving difficult life situations demands a mutual desire for understanding and the pursuit of solutions that everyone involved can embrace. The results of our own studies show that pupils who are taught to think wisely outperform those in a control group who learn history in a more traditional manner.


The road to wisdom teaching is a bumpy one:
To begin with, it's tough to modify established educational frameworks. Schools don't teach wisdom. In most cases, it isn't even talked about.


As a second point, many people will not see the utility in teaching anything that does not have as its primary aim the increasing of standard exam scores. No matter how you slice it, teaching to the exam is not the fundamental aim of education.


Because knowledge takes time to cultivate, it is not as easily measured as other types of achievement, such as "Which city is the capital of France?"
For those who have earned power and influence in society by a single means—money, high test scores, parental influence, or whatever—are unlikely to want that power or a new criterion developed on which they do not rate as highly. As a result, there is no shortcut to wisdom or wisdom education. There was never, and probably never will be, another time.


Our world may be one that is constantly striving to improve itself and the lives of everyone in it, thanks to wisdom. When it comes to the future of our country, we have a choice. Is there anything in particular that we hope to accomplish through our education? Is it simply a matter of education? No, I don't think that's it. Perhaps it's also a form of wisdom? If we want our pupils to learn wisdom, we need to put them on a very different path. It's important to value not only how they maximise their own achievements, but also how they enhance the achievements of others as well, by using their exceptional qualities.


We must, in a nutshell, regard wisdom as a valuable commodity. Our actions are just as essential as our thoughts when it comes to becoming wise. The influence of a wise India will be far greater than that of a well-informed one.

Are we teaching wisdom or knowledge to our children?

The top-level managers who brought down companies such as Enron, Global Crossing, and WorldCom were, for the most part, nothing if they were not smart and well-educated. Yet one cannot help feeling that something fundamental was missing in the way they were educated. Similarly, today’s consummate terrorist defies the stereotype of the poorly educated ignorant peasant who, having nothing better to do, joins up with a movement and blindly follows orders while showing no personal initiative at all. On the contrary, many of the terrorists who are covertly walking our streets are smart and well-educated—across the globe, in some cases. When their plans go awry, they use their wits to figure out how to get those plans back on track. Once again, it appears that something was fundamentally wrong in their education.What is that something? I believe it is that, for the most part, we are teaching students to be intelligent and knowledgeable, but not how to use their intelligence and their knowledge. Schools need to teach for wisdom, not just for factual recall and superficial levels of analysis.When schools teach for wisdom, they teach students that it is important not just what you know, but how you use what you know—whether you use it for good ends or bad. They are teaching for what the Bush administration referred to recently, in a White House conference, as the “fourth R”: responsibility. Smart but foolish and irresponsible people, including, apparently, some who run or have run major businesses in our country, exhibit four characteristic fallacies in their thinking.EgocentrismThe fallacy of egocentrism occurs when people think the world centers around them. Other people come to be seen merely as tools in the attainment of their goals, to be used and then discarded as the egomaniacs’ needs change. Why would smart people think egocentrically? Conventionally smart people often have been so highly rewarded for being smart that they lose sight of the needs and desires of others.OmniscienceWisdom requires one to know what one knows and does not know, as well as what can be known and cannot be known at a given time and place. Smart people often lose sight of what they do not know, leading to the second fallacy.The fallacy of omniscience results from people’s starting to feel that not only are they expert in whatever they trained for, but that they are all-knowledgeable about pretty much everything. They then can make disastrous decisions based on knowledge that is incomplete but that they do not recognize as such.OmnipotenceThe fallacy of omnipotence results from the feeling that if knowledge is power, then omniscience is total power. People who are in positions of power may start to imagine themselves to be all-powerful. Worse, they forget the old saw that power corrupts, but absolute power corrupts absolutely. At the same time, they fail to reckon with the potential consequences of their actions because of the fourth fallacy.InvulnerabilityThe fallacy of invulnerability comes from people’s view that if they are all-knowing and all-powerful, they can do what they want. And because they are all-knowing, they can get away with anything. Most likely, they convince themselves, they won’t get caught. Even if they do, they figure they can weasel their way out of being punished because they are smarter than those who have caught up with them.If foolish (but smart and often highly accomplished) people commit these fallacies, what do wise people do?I define wisdom as the application of intelligence and experience toward the attainment of a common good. This attainment involves a balance amongintrapersonal (one’s own),interpersonal (other people’s), andextrapersonal (more than personal, such as institutional) interests, over the short and long terms.Thus, wise people look out not just for themselves, but for all toward whom they have any responsibility.An implication of this view is that simply being smart is not enough. It is important to be wise, too.There are several reasons why schools should seriously consider including instruction in wisdom-related skills in the school curriculum.First, knowledge is insufficient for wisdom and certainly does not guarantee satisfaction, happiness, or behavior that looks beyond self-interest. Wisdom seems a better vehicle to the attainment of these goals.Second, wisdom provides a way to enter considered and deliberative values into important judgments. One cannot be wise and at the same time impulsive, mindless, or immoral in one’s judgments.Third, wisdom represents an avenue to creating a better, more harmonious world.
Dictators such as Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin may have been knowledgeable. They may even have been good critical thinkers, at least with regard to the maintenance of their own power. They were not wise.Fourth and finally, students, who later will become parents and leaders, are always part of a greater community. Hence, they will benefit from learning to judge rightly, soundly, and justly on behalf of their community.If the future is plagued with conflict and turmoil, this instability does not simply reside out there somewhere. It resides and has its origin in ourselves. For all these reasons, students need not only to recall facts and to think critically (and even creatively) about the content of the subjects they learn, but also to think wisely about it.Wisdom can be taught in the context of any subject matter Students learn to think wisely, and especially to understand things from diverse points of view across time and space. For example, what one group might call a “settler,” another might call an “invader.” What one group might call “Manifest Destiny,” another group might call “land theft.” Students also learn that in the current world, peace, or at least absence of conflict, depends in large part upon being able to understand how other nations and cultures see problems and their solutions differently from the way we do. The goal is not necessarily to accept these other points of view, or even necessarily to achieve some kind of accommodation, but rather to understand that resolution of difficult life problems requires people to want to understand each other and to reach a resolution, whenever possible, that all of those people can somehow live with. In our own research, students being taught to think wisely are being compared with a control group that learns the historical material in a standard way.
The road to teaching for wisdom is bound to be a rocky one:First, entrenched educational structures, whatever they may be, are difficult to change. Wisdom is not taught in schools. In general, it is not even discussed.
Second, many people will not see the value of teaching something that does not have as its primary focus the raising of conventional test scores. Teaching for wisdom is not inconsistent with raising test scores, but teaching to tests is not its primary goal.
Third, wisdom is much more difficult to develop than is the kind of achievement that can be developed and then readily tested via multiple-choice tests, such as “What is the capital of France?”Finally, people who have gained influence and power in a society via one means—through money, high test scores, parental influence, or whatever—are unlikely to want either to give up that power or to see a new criterion be established on which they do not rank as favorably. Thus, there is no easy path to wisdom or teaching for wisdom. There never was, and probably never will be.
Wisdom might bring us a world that would seek to better itself and the conditions of all the people in it. At some level, we as a society have a choice. What do we wish to maximize through our schooling? Is it just knowledge? Is it just intelligence? Or is it also wisdom? If it is wisdom, then we need to put our students on a much different course. We need to value not only how they use their outstanding individual abilities to maximize their attainments, but how they use their individual abilities to maximize the attainments of others as well.
We need, in short, to value wisdom. And then we need to remember that wisdom is not just about what we think, but more importantly, how we act. A wise India will be much more impactful than a knowledgeable India