Analysis of the status quo and of the strategic perspectives with regard to the Quiet Time method and its effects in promoting social inclusion
The general goal of the FRIENDS (Fostering Resilience Inclusive Education and Non-Discrimination in Schools) project was:
- to adapt, replicate on a wider scale, and transfer the chosen good practice on inclusive learning (i.e. QT/TM) to various European countries, targeting secondary schools and adult education, as well as non-formal educational institutions with minority students, or those with disadvantaged or migrant backgrounds, and
- to demonstrate on a wider European scale that the QT/TM, implemented in a school/educational environment, is a most effective whole-school approach to promote inclusive education. This is accomplished by training and supporting teachers, educators and leaders to deal with diversity, and foster the education of disadvantaged learners through promoting social inclusion, tolerance, resilience, improved academic achievement, nondiscrimination and respect for diversity. Taken together this programme provides the basis for developing inter-cultural understanding and dialogue, combating discrimination on all grounds, and preventing bullying and violence.
In this context, the basic research questions are:
- does QT/TM work,
- can it be scaled up, and
- what are the policy considerations?
These research questions can be answered using different branches of science such as medicine, neuroscience, criminology, etc. However, the most efficient way, in the educational context of this project, is by using psychological tests that can measure dimensions centred around well-being as a common denominator for implementing inclusive education for students. For teachers and staff, dimensions related to the challenges that come with providing inclusive education have been chosen.
The main goal of the analysis provided in this document is:
- to establish how well-being of students is an essential ingredient for inclusive education,
- to establish how Quiet Time based on Transcendental Meditation can contribute to wellbeing of students and teachers, and
- to present relevant existing evidence and how evidence can be provided in the FRIENDS project