Theoretical Education and Behavioral Application

In his book "Shortcut for a Better Life", the writer Ziad Rayess mentions: With the rise of social media, there has been a notably large impetus toward sharing religious lessons and advice supported by Quranic verses and sayings of the Prophet. People are also sharing courses in management, neuro-linguistic programming, and more.

This information is spreading like wildfire on a daily basis, and these practical courses are becoming more widespread and numerous. Nevertheless, there is no noticeable beneficial effect on our society or on our interactions with one another in various social groups. There is a massive disparity between applied behavioral practices and what these lessons, maxims, and programs convey.

In this regard, I would like to note the following:

1. Reception, indoctrination, or theoretical knowledge is certainly important, and I do not underestimate its importance, but it is not sufficient to create a civilization or change the behaviors and ethics of a society. We need applied tools to accompany cultivation of theoretical subjects.
2. Many people are good-natured and want to do good and spread this consciousness, but such people satisfy these desires by posting lessons and through the number of social media groups they engage with. They don’t realize that these methods only provide little benefit to people. Nevertheless, I don’t want them to stop.
3. We must consistently encourage and search for applied tools to cultivate these moral, ethical, and educational concepts, so there can be a curriculum of real social behaviors.
4. For people who work in education and who make educational courses or neural programming, etc., it is important that they check in with themselves and study applied concepts, actively practicing them with students and trainees.

I am not a specialist, but from some studying and various readings, I’ve found the following examples:

1. Organizing field trips for students to markets and parks, or to walk in the streets under educational supervision. This can cultivate the values of respect for others, preservation of public property, respect for elders, kindness toward children, trustworthiness, honesty, greeting people, etc.
2. Through organizing visits to hospitals and nursing homes, students may learn to make sick or infirm people feel important and valued, show them kindness, bring them joy, etc.
3. At camps held occasionally, students may learn altruism, proactivity, boldness, bravery, public service, how to preserve trees and plants, modesty, forgiveness, adherence to appointments, etc.
4. Evening events and activities at the end of each week can teach oratory, dialogue, constructive discussion, the fact that differences in opinions are healthy, sportsmanship, group work, etc.

In addition to the above, we should learn from the experiences of other people in various advanced civilizations, whether in the East, like Japan, or in Western European countries, and familiarize ourselves with the practical applied methods that people in those countries teach and apply with their children. Educators should benefit from these perspectives. We shouldn’t consider ourselves superior just because ours is an ancient civilization. I don’t deny our civilizational heritage—on the contrary, I take pride in it—but I’m seeking modern, applied practices to be used in the modern day. These techniques will enhance our important ideological and civilizational heritage.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while theoretical knowledge and lessons are important, they are not sufficient to create a civilization or change the behaviors and ethics of a society. It is necessary to cultivate real social behaviors through applied tools such as field trips, hospital visits, and evening events. Educators should also learn from the experiences of other people in various advanced civilizations and benefit from their perspectives to enhance our important ideological and civilizational heritage. It is only by actively practicing applied concepts that we can create a positive impact on our society and our  interactions with one another.