For generations, education has often focused on measuring children’s abilities through standardized testing and rigid curricula. However, this traditional approach frequently overlooks the unique strengths and potential of each child. Today, there is a growing need to redefine success and reimagine how we nurture young minds. Amidst this, Patricia Vlad, founder of LevelUp and education advisor at eduKiwi School, aims to make that difference.
With a background in education and a global teaching experience spanning multiple countries, Patricia has dedicated her career to understanding how children learn and develop. She believes that every child possesses a unique set of talents, and unlocking that potential requires a more personalized, inclusive, and emotionally intelligent approach to education - which starts from an early stage of childhood.
Nurturing children has always been recognized as a vital part of their development. Research shows that the right kind of support can lead to stronger cognitive growth, emotional stability, and overall well-being in adulthood. While it’s no surprise that childhood experiences shape who we become, it’s equally important for educators and parents to ensure that a child’s potential is actively nurtured. Overlooking this aspect can have lasting effects, just as much as neglecting emotional or academic development.
One of the most powerful frameworks for understanding potential comes from ikigai, a Japanese concept meaning “reason for being.” It is often visualized as the intersection of:
- What you love
- What you’re good at
- What the world needs
- What you can be rewarded for
When these four elements align, individuals experience a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Patricia sees ikigai as an essential principle for guiding children toward meaningful education. Rather than pushing students toward predetermined career paths, she advocates for helping them explore their natural talents, personal passions, and societal contributions.
The Challenges in Today’s Education System
Despite advancements in educational research, many schools still rely on outdated methods that prioritize conventional learning and going by the book over critical thinking and creative collaboration. Traditional grading systems often fail to account for individual learning styles and for the deeply-embedded human desire to create while working with others, leading to frustration and disengagement among students. Additionally, the increasing pressure to perform well on individual standardized tests can create anxiety and diminish a child's natural curiosity for learning. But the BIGGEST challenge in ALL education systems nowadays is the brain-body disconnect.
“We've gone so far down the academic path, which is great and should continue for sure, because it nourishes and celebrates the amazing potential of the human brain. However, we've left the body and heart behind in terms of integrating this academic knowledge with the whole of our life experience. When the brain and body are integrated, huge new levels of intelligence will be unlocked.”, says Patricia when talking about the gap that LevelUp and eduKiwi School are trying to bridge.
Another key challenge is the lack of emphasis on emotional intelligence (EI) in many classrooms. While cognitive skills are essential, Patricia Vlad, an educator and changemaker in modern education, has observed that students who struggle with emotional regulation and interpersonal skills often find it difficult to succeed in the long run. In some cases, if they do succeed in the traditional sense, many still carry an immense feeling of emptiness, purposelessness, or anxiety inside in spite of their apparent success. Schools that fail to address these aspects may inadvertently limit students' ability to meaningfully thrive in real-world settings.
A New Perspective on Potential
Early childhood is a critical stage where children begin developing essential skills and behaviors. Much of what they learn comes from their interactions with peers and teachers, making the school environment a key factor in their growth. Patricia explains that this stage is not only fundamental for cognitive development but also for shaping lifelong interests and habits. When children's potential is nurtured from an early age, they’re more likely to explore new interests, develop lasting hobbies, and gain the confidence to try new things.
Patricia has collected extensive experience, and one thing she realized is that education needs to be tailored to the individual and their social group, not the other way around. Through years of research, she developed methods that recognize each child’s unique learning style, personality, and strengths. Her work emphasizes the integration of neuroscience, technology, and emotional intelligence to create a more holistic and adaptive learning environment.
Personalizing Learning Through Neuroscience
She integrates insights from neuroscience to better understand how children absorb and retain information. She emphasizes that learning is not a linear process but a dynamic one, influenced by cognitive development, emotions, and environmental factors. By leveraging scientific research, she helps educators design teaching strategies that align with the brain's natural learning mechanisms, making education more effective and engaging.
Encouraging Strength-Based Learning
Instead of focusing solely on academic weaknesses, Patricia advocates for a strength-based approach that nurtures children’s natural abilities. Every child has something they excel at. By shifting the focus from deficits to talents, students develop confidence, motivation, and a deeper love for learning.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence
Patricia firmly believes that academic success should go hand in hand with emotional intelligence. No amount of academic achievement will matter if a child does not know how to manage their emotions or interact with others effectively. Through her programs, she works on integrating emotional intelligence into daily learning, teaching children skills like self-awareness, empathy, and resilience. This approach helps create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students feel seen and valued.
A More Inclusive and Adaptive System
Patricia Vlad’s work challenges the conventional norms of education and pushes for a system that truly recognizes and nurtures the full potential of every child. By incorporating neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and technology, she is helping to shape a future where education is not just about passing tests but about empowering children to thrive in all aspects of life.
Her efforts continue to inspire educators and parents alike, proving that when we shift our focus from limitations to possibilities, we open doors for children to achieve success on their own terms. As she continues to advocate for change, Patricia remains committed to transforming the way we see children’s potential, one student at a time.