Inquiry: What does mindfulness in the classroom look like and how does it influence student learning (pros/cons?)

I am hoping to look at mindfulness in the classroom and assess how (or if) it influences student learning. I like the idea of generating a pros/cons resource of bringing mindfulness techniques into class – I am really unsure as it is, if it would be beneficial to learners or not!

After spending time with students at Belmont and having a surprising amount of conversations about anxiety, I was really curious how to create a welcoming atmosphere with as minimal stress for students as possible. Today I went to an English 9 class with Steve Wilson, and was able to briefly speak with him about who else he would recommend talking to. He said he was the only teacher at Belmont who fully incorporates Mindfulness into everyday classes, however, he recommended I speak with Ms. Evans because she does a mini-unit on it in her Women’s Active Health class, as well as Chris Rivollier (I haven’t met him yet, but hopefully will be able to next week) because he was considering incorporating it into his classes as well. Steve also recommended two Mindfulness apps that he uses for his sessions at the beginning of classes and said to check them out as they have many options to choose from (and learn from). I was hoping to use at least one of these apps as a resource. I did not have as much time with Steve today as I would have liked, but next week I’ll see him again and have a longer chat. I’m also hoping to speak more extensively with some of the students (hopefully interview a couple of them) to get their opinions on Mindfulness in class – do they enjoy it, does it help, or is it just something they go through the motions of and don’t really care about.

I plan to research mindfulness lesson plans to see what is available on strategies to incorporate aspects of mindfulness into the classroom, as well as look at UVic’s health and wellness website as there is a Mindfulness section with age-appropriate activities to complete. I’m hoping as I get into talking about this with people at Belmont (and even in my other classes) more resource ideas will emerge.