the Orisa Lifestyle pedagogy
The Orisa Lifestyle Academy pedagogy is based on the educational philosophy of Obafemi Origunwa, the founder of the Orisa Lifestyle Academy. The pedagogy emphasizes the role of internal and external context in learning, striving to integrate the practical, emotional, and intellectual development of students.
Origunwa's division of spiritual development into three major stages is reflected in the Academy's approach to self discovery, which focuses on introspective, self-reflective activities and emotional context; to daily practice, which focuses on developing practical application of Yoruba spirituality; and to sacred service, which focuses on developing professional and organizational skills. The overarching goal is to develop proficient, conscientious, and culturally competent devotees equipped with a high degree of social responsibility. Qualitative assessments of student work are integrated into the programs. Quantitative testing plays a minimal role and is limited to providing students with a point of reference for measuring progress.
Origunwa's division of spiritual development into three major stages is reflected in the Academy's approach to self discovery, which focuses on introspective, self-reflective activities and emotional context; to daily practice, which focuses on developing practical application of Yoruba spirituality; and to sacred service, which focuses on developing professional and organizational skills. The overarching goal is to develop proficient, conscientious, and culturally competent devotees equipped with a high degree of social responsibility. Qualitative assessments of student work are integrated into the programs. Quantitative testing plays a minimal role and is limited to providing students with a point of reference for measuring progress.
DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES
Self Discovery
The Orisa Lifestyle Academy's pedagogical theory considers that during the first years of exposure to the Yoruba tradition, practitioners learn best by being immersed in an environment where they can learn from their inner world, including personal experiences, values, feelings, natural gifts and talents. The self discovery curriculum therefore centers on introspection and self assessment, allowing the students to learn from the logic and perfection of their lived experiences. The overall goal of the self discovery curriculum is to imbue the student with a sense that identity is destiny.
Daily Practice
The discipline is in the doing. Unfortunately, when it comes to Orisa Lifestyle, most people don't know what to do; some don't know where to start their practice and the remainder don't know what to do next. The Orisa Lifestyle Academy's methodology focuses upon teaching best practices that will sustain every level of spiritual devotion. The daily practice curriculum is organized around the the seven day, four day, sixteen day and thirty day calendars, and their corresponding ritual sequences. Here, instruction includes setting up altars, managing inventory of devotional materials, making prayers, chants, songs and offerings. The overall goal of daily practice is to help the student internalize the rhythmic patterns of devotion.
Sacred Service
Self Discovery
The Orisa Lifestyle Academy's pedagogical theory considers that during the first years of exposure to the Yoruba tradition, practitioners learn best by being immersed in an environment where they can learn from their inner world, including personal experiences, values, feelings, natural gifts and talents. The self discovery curriculum therefore centers on introspection and self assessment, allowing the students to learn from the logic and perfection of their lived experiences. The overall goal of the self discovery curriculum is to imbue the student with a sense that identity is destiny.
Daily Practice
The discipline is in the doing. Unfortunately, when it comes to Orisa Lifestyle, most people don't know what to do; some don't know where to start their practice and the remainder don't know what to do next. The Orisa Lifestyle Academy's methodology focuses upon teaching best practices that will sustain every level of spiritual devotion. The daily practice curriculum is organized around the the seven day, four day, sixteen day and thirty day calendars, and their corresponding ritual sequences. Here, instruction includes setting up altars, managing inventory of devotional materials, making prayers, chants, songs and offerings. The overall goal of daily practice is to help the student internalize the rhythmic patterns of devotion.
Sacred Service