Since the Institute is situated on the campus of the Sathya Sai School of Lopuri Province in Thailand, students have the opportunity to practice Education in Human Values with children in the classroom. Basic Diploma Students are required to observe and assist in the classroom whereas Diploma and Advanced Diploma students may be asked to plan and conduct their own lessons especially for EHV or English classes.
Diploma students are expected to join in with all the school activities such as morning prayer sessions held daily at the hostel and are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities such as clubs and sports. Any student who has a special talent in music, art, drama, dance or languages is free to start his or her own club on Sunday mornings.
Students will also learn how to set up and manage a Sathya Sai School and to adopt existing schools.
The duration of each course is two and a half months and five months respectively. Students attend lectures every weekend as well as some special workshops and study circles during the week. From Monday to Friday they get practical experience at school and have the opportunity to do research.
The content for the Diploma Courses include lectures and discussions on the following subjects:
- Sathya Sai Education in Human Values
- Teaching Methodologies
- Child Psychology
- Children's Moral Development
- Character Development
- Education and Management
- Guidelines for setting up and managing a Sathya Sai School
- Presentation Skills
- Research in Education
- Spiritual Practice
Apart from these lectures, the Institute invites guest speakers to come and present some topical issues related to values education.
Students who progress to the Intermediate Diploma Course will study Education in Human Values at a higher level, which will involve more self-study and practical experience.
The Advanced Diploma Course is an extension of the other two Courses. It is designed for students who wish to gain more teaching experience and conduct research. After attending one of the first courses, students who wish to continue must get permission from the Institute Director. Each Advanced Diploma student is expected to present an original thesis on some aspect of values education.
