Vol 13, Issue 3/2003
Giving rhythm to school life on the basis of Qigong
A way out of chronic exhaustion in school. By Horst Hofmann
What is a primary cause of low pupil performance and high sickness rates among teachers in Germany? According to Horst Hofmann, senior teacher for mathematics and physics at a comprehensive school in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, it is due to a general exhaustion caused by unhealthy ways of life and constant stress. On the basis of new research results in biomedicine and the science of recovery, together with experiences in Qigong, he has developed a concept for a regenerative teaching method that can generally avoid exhaustion through competent handling of one’s own vital energies. A key to better pupil performance and a reduction of the psychosocial burden for teachers can be found in more and longer breaks, scheduled at the right time and with appropriate behaviour during these breaks. Qigong plays a principal role in the content of regenerative breaks within lessons. His contribution to the »inner« schools reform is logical: the inclusion of Qigong – presented in a western manner accessible to pupils – in teacher training programmes.
