Contemplative Pedagogies FIG: Setting intentions & gratitude practice to start the new term

This interest group supports faculty in applying or improving their application of contemplative practices in their classroom to promote well-being and a compassionate classroom, to further course goals, and to support learning.

We will be meeting regularly for discussion, exploration and guided practice to get first-hand experience with different practices; experimenting to receive peer feedback; inviting members to lead thematic sessions; and potentially co-creating resources to support our practices.

This interest group is for faculty who wish to:

• Intentionally adopt culturally-appropriate contemplative practices in teaching and learning using a trauma-sensitive lens;
• Explore the work of contemplative pedagogy scholars who report on the impact of evidence-based contemplative practices on students and faculty;
• Learn from their peers; and
• Re-energize their relationship with teaching and learning

In this meeting we will explore a gratitude practice and set our intentions for the new term. As we reflect on the new term, we will also explore practices to help students learn to manage their anxiety related to exams (e.g., breathing practices, focused attention).