As we move into a decade of meeting the goals set forth by the World Conference on Education for All, we need not only extend and maximize the available human and technological resources for education, but also to devise more cost – and time-effective techniques for learning.

The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (BKWSU), having observed the learning process in both conventional and non-conventional systems of education, has found a direct correlation between learning acquisition/outcome and the following factors:

(a) Environment The physical and emotional support a child receives both at home and in the classroom is crucial in the development of the child’s intellectual and mental faculties. In addition to commonly recognized factors such as nutrition, health, cleanliness, etc., high priority needs to be given to such factors as a low level of noise and distraction, family stability, appreciation and encouragement by adults and peers and the existence of appropriate adult role models in order to create an adequate learning environment;

(b) Positive attitudes and aptitudes Children form attitudes to learning based on the joy and satisfaction they derive from the time of learning, as well as from what they perceive as the end result to their years of learning. Accordingly, children become more positive towards school and education when (a) objects, persons and places they are interested in and like are included in the learning process in an experiential way; and (b) short-term goals and practical incentives are offered during the term of learning;

(c) Exercise of cooperative learning skills In keeping with recent world-wide trends in education, and as revealed by responses, especially those from educational institutions, to Global Cooperation for a Better world (a two-year-long Peace Messenger Initiative coordinated in many countries for a major period, by BKWSU), we can reaffirm, while acknowledging each pupil’s individuality and specialty, that when pupils think and do things together, deeper and much more meaningful experiences in learning are produced.