Presentation Handout

Krishna K. Bista PSE 6680 Dr. Davidson April 21, 2008 Yoga Education: Its Benefits and Challenges INTRODUCTION

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Yoga: a set of physical and mental exercises, … give control over the body and mind (CALD, 2002 )

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Upanishads, “There is the path of joy, and there is the path of pleasure, i.e. Yoga Karma”

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“Yoga is a sophisticated system for achieving radiant physical health, superb mental clarity and therefore peace of mind” (Schiffmann, 1996).

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Regarded as a physical educational discipline, one that teaches strength, flexibility, and balance of body.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------BENEFITS Physical & Mental Benefits

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A discipline of asanas that will strengthen, stretch, and align the body

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Develop long lean muscles, improve breathing, enhance digestion, relax nervous system, and a fortify immune system (Finger, 2000).

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Help children and adult learn to relax, teach self control, reduce stress and pressure and instill a sense of peace in their daily lives (Wenig, 2003).

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Connect their breath to movement, teaches them calmness and inward focus, which is a valuable skill in entire life.

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As physical discipline- role play, game activity, fun, observation, creative imagination and self expression skills of school education.

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CHALLENCGES

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Several challenges in its curriculum, teaching methods, materials and student-teacher relationship (Dolan, 2007).

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Class Conflicts, unpredictable mishap in a classroom, unwillingness to use a prop, or asana, social and cultural norms of dogmatic groups.

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Physical fear and danger in practicing phases

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------CONCLUSION Yoga offers new learning possibilities to children and adults than traditional sports, and it can be taught as either a warm-up, or as the entire class offering them an opportunity to build a foundation of strong of life; however, curriculum specialists, teachers, trainers and students should know the real challenges of yoga education in classroom settings. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------References: Amidon, E., & Roberts. E. (Eds.) (1996). Life prayers from around the world. NY: HarperCollins. Bersma, D. & Visscher, M. (2003). Yoga games for children: Fun and fitness with postures, movements and breaths. California: Hunter House. Dollan, M. (2007). The complete yoga: The lineage of integral education. International Forum of Teaching and Studies. Marietta: Spring 2007. Vol. 3. Iss 1. pp. 31-38. Retrieved April 5, 2008 from http://proquest.umi.com.libprodxy.troy.edu/pqdlink?did=1288252831&fmt=7&client. Ferry, J. (July, 2007). How yoga is changing the classroom. Independent. Retrieved April 4, 2008, from http:// www.indendent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/452974.htm/ Finger, A. (2000). Introduction to yoga: A beginner’s guide to health, fitness and relaxation. New York, NY: Three River Press. Gunner, R. (April, 2005). Idol teachings. The Santa Fe New Mexican. Santa Fe N.M. Retrieved April 4, 2008, from http://www.proquest.umi.com.libproxy.troy.edu/pqdlink?did=82404611 National Association for Sport and Physical Education, (2004). Moving into the future: National Standards for Physical Education. 2nd edition. Reston, VA. Nelson, M. (July 2006). Yoga a stretch for some soldiers. South Florida Sun-Sentinel. July 16. Schiffmann, E., (1996). Yoga: The spirit and practice of moving into stillness. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster. Toscano, L. (April, 2008). Yoga in physical education. Strategies,Vol. 21. Iss. 4, pp. 15-20. Retrieved April 5, 2008 from http://proquest.umi.com.libproxy.troy.edu/pqdlink?did=145362 Wenig, M. (2003). Yoga kids: Educating the whole child through yoga. New York, NY: La Martiere Group. "Yoga" (2005). Microsoft Encarta 2006 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation.