Zen-sational teaching: teach the mindful way!

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” Marcus Aurelius

What is mindfulness and mindful teaching?

The concept of mindful teaching isn’t new to education. However, in today’s fast-paced world, marked by rapid technological advancements, it becomes increasingly crucial. Modern times demand not just modern but also effective and intelligent solutions. Mindful teaching is one technique that can genuinely help educators improve their well-being and attentiveness while enriching the educational experience for students. What truly makes this educational strategy relevant is its approach to learning. Mindful teachers adopt a transformative, dynamic, and modern approach to their students, enhancing both teaching effectiveness and student learning.

Mindfulness is characterized by being present and fully engaged in the moment. When applied to the educational context, mindfulness encourages educators to be aware of their emotions, thoughts and behaviours, while also remaining aware of the needs and experiences of their students. Mindful teaching fosters a learning environment in which students feel both safe and valued.

A fundamental aspect of mindful teaching is the recognition that teaching transcends the mere transmission of knowledge; it is a dynamic interaction between teacher and student. This requires educators to be fully present, open-minded and empathetic. The integration of mindfulness into teaching practices enhances the presence and engagement of both students and teachers in the learning process.

Practical & useful methods & exercises

However, educators often face challenges in finding time for mindfulness amid their demanding schedules. To make it less challenging, the following are some strategies that teachers may consider to enhance their engagement in the learning process and become more mindful in doing so.

• Improving physical well-being: For mindful teaching, the physical well-being of the teacher is of great importance. The centuries-old saying ‘A healthy mind in a healthy body’ could serve as the motto for this educational approach. It is paradoxical how physical well-being is both easy and difficult to achieve. Therefore, it is crucial for teachers to have support and guidance in attaining the goal of physical well-being. Breathing techniques, relaxation, and exercise tailored to the individual can be easily learned, but they must be consistently maintained. 
  • One of the interesting techniques for full-body relaxation for overall physical health is box breathing. It is also known as four-square breathing. This method involves four equal steps: inhaling through the nose for a count of four, holding the breath for four, exhaling through the mouth for four, and pausing with empty lungs for four. It effectively reduces stress and improves focus.
  • An interesting technique that also connects the mind and body is the release of negative thoughts and bad moods through guided yet natural movements. It begins with bouncing and relaxing the limbs and ends differently for each individual.
    
  • Active listening: Active listening and actively observing others in the environment are pillars of mindful teaching. Students feel more comfortable when they have emotional support and the full attention of their peers. However, learning to listen actively is not as easy as it seems. There are techniques that greatly assist in this.
    • The exercise through which we can become active listeners takes place between two individuals who receive different papers with questions that become increasingly difficult and complex. The individuals do not know which question they will have to ask next or to which they will need to respond, thus requiring them to be genuine and to listen attentively to one another.
      
    • Using mindful language: Mindful teacher should use mindful language that promotes positivity and encourages effort over perfection. After all, effort is the foundation of progress, and sustainable work habits are the tools through which success is achieved. (See what I did there? I used mindful language!)
      • The exercise through which we can strengthen mindful language involves a conscious discussion about words, phrases, and sentences that have a positive impact on those to whom they are directed. Mindful language must be as sincere as it is positive, and thus it requires deep contemplation of everything that is said.
      • Incorporating outdoor lessons: Going into nature helps students learn in a different way and allows them to relax in an environment that differs from that of the classroom. Different surroundings have varying effects on individuals, and it is always beneficial to change the environment and connect with nature. Outdoor lessons can be both enjoyable and enriched with physical activities, ultimately resulting in elevated student satisfaction, whether derived from the educational content or the dopamine released through physical engagement.
        
        
      • Using visualization techniques: Visualization techniques are highly effective for memory enhancement and facilitating learning, particularly for students who experience anxiety related to learning due to difficulties in accurately interpreting acquired knowledge. Individuals of all ages can learn these techniques, and they can also be independently developed once the fundamentals are mastered.
        • One of my favourite visualization techniques is storytelling. By visualizing facts as part of a narrative, learners can create connections between concepts that make it easier to remember them. The story elements make strong emotional responses, which can further become a recall.

Sources for mindful teaching

Above all, it is essential for educators to learn how to implement their own original ideas into mindful teaching. In doing so, educators transform into creators rather than merely interpreters. Mindfulness, knowledge, and creativity are inexhaustible sources of inspiration, attainable through continuous effort. Once accessed, these three sources of inspiration enable educators to become fulfilled creators of a new and improved world which is then imparted to their students.

Remember, lifelong learning is the most important education. If you want to know, see, hear or feel more, join me for the Zen-sational teaching: Teach the mindful way! course, part of the well-established Erasmus+ program! This unique course is designed especially for educators seeking to enhance their teaching methodologies, professional development and personal growth. 

Click on the link below:

https://linaedu.eu/erasmus-course-zen-sational-teaching/

Mirjana Letica,

Lina Edu course lead educator