In Gülen’s philosophy of education, concretizing abstract concepts plays an important role. This method particularly facilitates the understanding of complex concepts for younger students.
“Adhering to the principle of gradualism in education, that is, following the laws of nature and abandoning haste, is essential.”
—Fethullah Gülen
Fethullah Gülen’s educational philosophy is a comprehensive approach that merges the deep heritage of Islamic civilization with the requirements of the modern world. Gülen views education not merely as the transfer of information, but as a holistic process that encompasses the moral and spiritual dimensions of a person. He considers knowing the individual being educated as one of the most important elements of education. According to him, educational efforts that do not take into account the emotional state and personality traits of the individual can lead to negative outcomes. Therefore, the first step in education is to deeply understand the individual and determine an appropriate method for them.
As is known, education is one of the most important factors shaping the future of societies. In this context, Fethullah Gülen’s educational philosophy offers a unique perspective that blends traditional spiritual discipline and values with modern pedagogical approaches. His understanding of education addresses the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development of individuals in a holistic manner, proposing a comprehensive approach that aims at societal transformation.
At the core of Gülen’s educational philosophy lies the recognition of the student’s individual characteristics and the development of an educational strategy in line with this understanding. He states: “Attempting to give something to someone without knowing that person first can lead to a negative impact and resistance.” This approach aligns with modern educational psychology’s student-centered approach.
Another principle prominent in Gülen’s educational philosophy is “gradualism,” which refers to progressing step by step. This principle suggests that knowledge and skills should be imparted in stages, following the natural flow of the learning process. Gülen warns, “Adhering to the principle of gradualism in education, that is, following the laws of nature and abandoning haste, is essential.”
When dealing with challenges in the education process, Gülen emphasizes the principle of patience and tolerance. He believes that rather than judging students for their faults, it is crucial to guide them. He states, “It is important to turn a blind eye to the faults of children or students, not to expose their flaws and tear down the veil,” arguing that this approach preserves the student’s self-confidence and motivation to learn.
Visualization and the “Gülen Effect”
As mentioned in yesterday’s article, storytelling has been an ancient tradition. From prophets to scholars, philosophers to bards, countless successful examples can be listed. Fethullah Gülen uses a unique language in storytelling. The frequent tears he sheds are a clear indication of the motivation and lived experience he pours into communicating the subject to his audience.
Therefore, in Gülen’s educational philosophy, the concretization of abstract concepts is of significant importance. This method, especially for young students, makes it easier to grasp complex ideas. Gülen emphasizes the effectiveness of this approach, saying, “Everything to be explained should be portrayed through the life of such a hero; it will be both striking and more impactful.”
Gülen argues that education is not merely the transfer of information, but that instilling high ideals in students is equally important. He frequently highlights, “Generations maintain their vitality through the high goals and lofty ideals presented to them,” indicating that education is also a process of character building. This approach points to the role of education in societal transformation.
In Gülen’s educational philosophy, positive communication and the use of language play a key role. He believes that the language educators use toward students directly affects the success of the educational process. Gülen insists that “there should be no place for bad words and inappropriate terms on the path of reform and discipline,” emphasizing the responsibility of educators to serve as role models.
Regarding discipline, Gülen stresses the importance of maintaining a balance between love and fear. According to him, “Every person who has reached a level of discernment must be handled within the balance of love and fear.” This approach avoids extreme authoritarianism or excessive permissiveness in education.
Gülen advocates that punishment should only be used as a last resort in the educational process. He emphasizes that punishment should be instructive and should not harm the student’s dignity. With the phrase “Light disciplining can be sufficient,” he points to the need for punishment to be symbolic and moderate.
Consistency and Harmony in the Educational Environment
Consistency and harmony within the educational environment are also significant themes in Gülen’s philosophy. He argues that disagreements among educators should not be reflected onto students, stating, “If there is no such harmony in a household or an educational institution, and one educator undoes what the other does, or one contradicts what the other says, then the child or student’s trust in their educators will undoubtedly be shaken, and they will become disrespectful.”
Exemplary Teaching!
In Gülen’s philosophy of education, the role of the educator as a role model is central. He argues that “the things required by education must be continuously and seriously lived throughout an entire lifetime,” advocating that educators should lead by example not only through their words but also through their way of life.
Gülen also recognizes the influence of external factors in the educational process, emphasizing the importance of harmonious cooperation between family, school, and society. He states, “Parents and other educators must be sensitive and careful about the child’s second-degree environment, from their friends on the street to their close companions,” highlighting the influence of a child’s social environment on their education.
In Gülen’s educational philosophy, daily life routines and habits also hold an important place. He believes that routines such as sleeping patterns, cleanliness habits, and a regular lifestyle are integral parts of the educational process. He emphasizes the importance of a disciplined lifestyle, saying, “The lives of family members must be brought under order.”
Furthermore, Gülen does not overlook the role of games and toys in his educational philosophy. He highlights the importance of play in a child’s development, stating, “Some games develop the child’s faculties, preparing them for their future life; some games enhance their thinking and abilities, while others allow them to release pent-up energy,” drawing attention to the multifaceted educational role of play.
Conclusion
In summary, Fethullah Gülen’s educational philosophy presents a comprehensive system that aims at the holistic development of the individual, blending traditional values with modern pedagogical approaches. This approach reflects the understanding that education is not merely the transfer of information, but also a process of character building and societal transformation. Gülen’s educational philosophy holds potential for offering alternative solutions to many of the challenges faced by modern educational systems.
If we take a “plunge” into the history of the Hizmet Movement, it is possible to see, in its early stages, the internalization of these educational principles by its members and their small-scale practices.
To be continued…
