For this issue many of our contributors have been researching and reflecting upon the theme of human flourishing . Initiated by our research project with Research Schools International and the Harvard Human Flourishing Program , several articles focus on one or more of the domains of human flourishing , whether this is in relation to happiness and life satisfaction , mental and physical health , meaning and purpose , character and virtue , or the formation of close social relationships , each of which ‘ is nearly universally desired , and each constitutes an end in and of itself ’ 1 . A focus on flourishing seems particularly timely and relevant as our students and teachers continue to meet the challenge of teaching and learning during a global pandemic . Flourishing , as an overarching motif , and an evolving area of ITL work in the next academic year , aligns well with our holistic approach to education , which seeks to consider the interconnected nature of personal and emotional development alongside cognitive and academic growth .
Welcome to the third edition of our ITL Innovate journal
We are delighted to include an opening interview with Dr Christina Hinton and Ben Hill ( Research Schools International / Harvard Human Flourishing Program ) discussing our flourishing research and how schools might integrate research-based activities to enhance student flourishing . Following this our students Lilli Ganzer , Eloise Simpson and Jen Thomas describe their role as student research fellows on the project and how their understanding of flourishing and of social science research developed through involvement in the project . In his article , Dr Jonathan Beale considers the relationship between human flourishing and the education ’ s epistemic aims , analysing UNESCO ’ s position , whilst Cat Davison reflects upon the importance of educational networks , and the ways in which identification with a wider group can enhance our well-being and flourishing . In his related article , Dr Paul Parham considers the importance of empathy in connecting to others and makes suggestions for educators to further develop their active listening skills .
In relation to the flourishing domain of physical and mental health , Eva Coddington considers the research on yoga and the evidence for its use to enhance athletic performance , mental wellbeing , and associated academic performance . Whilst Geoff Marshall ’ s research and
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