Contemplative Pedagogy in the Classroom: Issues and Methods

Contemplative pedagogy places diverse spiritual traditions within the secular context of academia to support the unfolding of personality. In this session, we look back at the why and how we define ourselves as educators. What is the purpose of our teaching? What are the obstacles we face? What are some tools we can use, and we can share with out students? Some contemplative practices are: deep breathing (slows the heart rate, supports a sense of calm and acceptance, and teaches us how to observe our habitual patterns of thinking, which helps us and our students to learn and retain information); free-writing (supports our capacity to self-assess and gain authenticity); non-violent communication (allows the emergence of truth in communication to create community).

By the end of the session, participants will be able to: - use some of these techniques to check in with themselves throughout the year to assess their level of stress, anxiety, and academic progress - use some of these techniques with their colleagues and students - create new assignment and assessment model

Presented by: Laura Biagi (Theatre Studies)