Contemplative practices to improve student learning

1. Contemplative practices to improve student learning Susan M. Mountin, Ph.D. Marquette University Milwaukee, WI

4. BREATHE

6. Examples: • Contemplative practices quiet the mind in order to cultivate a personal capacity for deep concentration and insight. • CP can include various kinds of ritual and ceremony designed to create sacred space and increase insight and awareness to be forms of contemplative practice. Sitting in silence Single-minded concentration Mindful walking Yoga Focused experiences in nature Physical practices Artistic practices Journaling/writing Centering prayer

7. Why? • Contemplative practice has the potential to bring different aspects of one’s self into focus, to help develop personal goodness and compassion, and to awaken an awareness of the interconnectedness of all life. • They are practical, radical, and transformative. Help develop empathy Develop communication skills Improve focus Enhance concentration Reduce stress Enhance creativity Over time the practices Cultivate insight, inspiration and a loving and compassionate approach to life

8. Sources • Arthur Zajonc—Amherst • Parker Palmer • Association for the Contemplative Mind in education • Thomas Keating—centering prayer • Dalai Lama • ThichNhat Hahn • Neurological research--Richard Davidson—UW

9. Silence Using silence as subtext

10. Examining intricacies

12. DEEP LISTENING

13. Writing as contemplation

14. Writing as contemplative practice • Free writing • Journaling • Intuitive writing

15. The rituals of writing as contemplation • Structured time • Pen and paper (?) • Physical location

17. Ignatian pedagogy—Based on the spiritual journey of St. Ignatius of Loyola founder of the Jesuits • Corporeal • See • Smell • Taste • Feel • Hear • Paying attention • Reflection on experience • Change in attitudes, behaviors, values • Evaluation/assessment

18. Practical application for classrooms/disciplines

19. Minutes of silence • At the beginning to settle • At the end of class as an “examen” of what was learned • In the midst of class—response to something provocative, challenging • For observation (e.g. sciences, engineering, math) • For digestion (e.g. philosophy, theology) • For imagination (e.g. history, theology, nursing)

20. End of class or midterm “examen” • Review in your mind this class • Remember walking in and sitting down: how were you feeling? Gut check? • As the class continued: what jumped out—anything jarring? Consoling? Supportive? Challenging? • Were you clueless at any point? Why? • What are you called to do to be ready next time?