Teaching Innovation Conference: Contemplative Practice in Higher Education

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  Teaching Innovation Conference: Contemplative Practice in Higher Education

  Jaime R. Wood, Neera Malhotra, Amy Ruff, and Corina McEntire

  The winter 2021 virtual teaching innovation conference offered participants time to engage in contemplative practice together, in small groups, and with various contemplative practitioners. Attendees left with practical ideas they could implement with their own students remotely. This conference was sponsored by the Certificate of Innovation in College Teaching, and is an introduction to a professional development series focused around contemplative pedagogy and interpersonal neurobiology.

  Holistic inclusion calls for true inclusive practices within oneself before exploring inclusion within the learning community. At the winter 2021 Teaching Innovation Conference participants were invited to explore tools to co-create equitable, inclusive teaching practices by weaving contemplative pedagogy and interpersonal neurobiology frameworks into their courses. As psychologist and author Tobin Hart states, “Inviting the contemplative simply includes the natural human capacity for knowing through silence, looking inward, pondering deeply, beholding, witnessing the contents of our consciousness…. These approaches cultivate an inner technology of knowing.” When we incorporate contemplative practices into our teaching we can encourage deep learning and focused attention within our students.

  CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

  Introduction to Contemplative Practice - 1PM -2PM
  Co-facilitated by Neera Malhotra and Jaime Wood
  Dr. Malhotra is a Senior Instructor within the University Studies program. Her current scholarship includes implications of Interpersonal Neurobiology, Trauma-Sensitive Teaching, and Contemplative practices in higher education. Outside PSU she teaches meditation and works with an inclusive youth group on co-creating compassionate social justice practices.

  Workshops - 2PM-3:30PM

  Polyvagal Theory & Student Learning Workshop
  Amy Ruff, LCSW, Mental Health Promotion Specialist
  Participants will gain an understanding of the polyvagal theory and its implications on student learning. Participants will also learn about contemplative practices that apply the polyvagal theory in the classroom in order to maximize student engagement and success.
  
  Benefits of Breath Workshop
  Corina McEntire, Director of Implementation, Mindful Pre-K
  Learn how taking a focusing breath can improve classroom focus and calm. This tool is helpful for both students and teachers alike and can be used for online and in-person teaching.