Mindfulness in the Classroom

"Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; On purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally." - Jon Kabat-Zinn

 

Mindfulness in teaching adapts a diverse set of ideas originating in eastern philosophy. The benefits of using mindfulness in the classroom can range from stress reduction, focusing on being present in the moment, and in-depth self-reflection. Introduction of mindfulness can include simple one to two-minute exercises, or weaving the philosophy into the pedagogy of a course.

Use the resources below to learn more about the research, techniques and rationale regarding incorporating mindfulness in the classroom.

Resources

Mindfulness Could Improve College Students' Testing ability, Study Finds: Huffington Post, published March 27, 2013.

Mindfulness in Education, Use this technique to reduce student anxiety and help students succeed, by Tara Hornisch-Lisciandro, in NJ Education Association, Feb. 2013

Mindfulness in the College Classroom, by Wesley Hogan on Prezi.com, August 18, 2012

Slow Teaching, deep Learning, Reflective thinking: Student Convincer Strategies. Helping Students Understand the Need to Turn Off So They Can Tune In. The Benefits of Mindfulness in the Classroom.  Why College Students Need to be Taught Mindfulness and How to do It (or at least start), by Jeff King, Ed. D. U. of Central Oklahoma

Zen Teaching & Teaching Zen; 5 Mindfulness Exercises for Educators, Marygrove College, MA in the Art of Teaching blog, Oct. 9, 2012

Mindfulness: A Teacher's Guide: PBS.org, Dr. Amy Saltzman

Mindfulness meditation with Jon Kabat-Zinn: YouTube, 1 hr. 12 min. 

Book:  The Mindful Teacher, Teacher's College Press, by Elizbeth MacDonald and Dennis Shirley, pub Oct. 2009

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