Student · Department of Psychology & Child Development ·
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
What is mindfulness? How can it be taught?
Teaching Mindfulness in the Classroom
Mindfulness is a focused, nonjudgmental observation that allows the ability to be fully present in the moment (Donatelle, 2019). Mindfulness can be practiced at any time throughout the day, and at any place. People are often guilty of working on “autopilot” mode, especially as students. Teaching students how to be mindful in the classroom will allow them to intentionally foster healthy relationships and engage in activities with their fullest attention (Kinder et al, 2017). For example, instead of just going through the motions of a daily math worksheet, students should be taught to practice mindfulness as they work out the problems. This will allow each student to clear their mind of anything else going on in their lives, so that they can dedicate all of their brain power to solving the problems on the worksheet. This will also allow the math to be done more carefully and precisely, benefitting the student in the end. On the other hand, mindfulness can also be used as a healing process. Practicing mindfulness allows individuals to give emotional and mental space to the practice of facing the many daily challenges of life (Donatelle, 2019). For example, if a student is dealing with outside emotions that are getting in the way of completing their work, practicing mindfulness can help them get back on track. If students are regularly able to practice mindfulness as a part of their daily routine, a calmer classroom climate is naturally going to evolve. A calm classroom climate is important, because it allows for a day filled with valuable learning.
How teaching mindfulness can help students with self-regulation...
Teaching mindfulness in the classroom guides students to develop important self-regulation skills. From a young age, these skills include the ability to focus, control emotions, and be flexible (Jones, 2018). In the older ages, there is evidence that mindfulness can improve well-being and nurture a range of effective self-regulatory skills (Kaunhoven & Dorjee, 2017). These positive characteristics found in students who practice mindfulness are valuable in the classroom for many reasons. Mindfulness has been proven to boost cognitive skills, showing significant improvements in attention and memory. In one study, students who practiced just six minutes of meditation before class started scored higher on the quiz than the students who did not take part in the meditation exercise (Donatelle, 2019). Students who are taught strategies in practicing mindfulness may feel more focused and engaged in class, leading to better academic performance throughout their academic careers.
