Teaching Innovation Conference: Contemplative Practice in Higher Education

Authors

Jaime R. Wood, Portland State UniversityFollow
Neera Malhotra, Portland State UniversityFollow
Amy Ruff, Portland State UniversityFollow
Corina McEntire, Mindful Pre-K

Files

Abstract

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.

Biographical Information

CONFERENCE FACILITATORS

Jaime Wood, Teaching Associate, Office of Academic Innovation, Portland State University
Jaime has an MA in English education from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, and an MFA in creative writing, poetry from Eastern Washington University in Spokane, Washington. Her career in education began as a language arts and math teacher in an Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound middle school where she used service learning, adventure trips, and community-based curriculum to engage sixth and seventh graders. Since 2003, she has worked in universities and community colleges both in the classroom and as a faculty developer and assessment coordinator. She is fascinated by the relationship between learners and teachers and how these roles overlap. When she’s not reading about pedagogy, Jaime enjoys writing poetry and songs, camping on the coast, and exploring the unadvertised beauties of Portland.

Neera Malhotra, Senior Instructor, University Studies, Portland State University
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.

Amy Ruff, LCSW, Mental Health Promotion Specialist
Amy Ruff is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing trauma-informed social work in community-based settings for the past 9 years. She believes that contemplative practices in the classroom have a direct impact on the mental health and well-being of students.

Corina McEntire, Director of Implementation, Mindful Pre-K
Corina currently serves as the Director of Implementation for the Mindful-PreK study in the Psychology Department. This study is looking at mindfulness practices in preschool classrooms serving both teachers and students.

Subjects

Interpersonal relations, Interpersonal communication, Social perception, Multicultural education, Cultural pluralism -- Education (Higher), Education -- Study and teaching, Critical pedagogy, Privilege (Social psychology), Social justice

Disciplines

Education | Higher Education | Social Justice

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/36611

Recommended Citation

Wood, Jaime R.; Malhotra, Neera; Ruff, Amy; and McEntire, Corina, "Teaching Innovation Conference: Contemplative Practice in Higher Education" (2021). Teaching Innovation Conference: Contemplative Practice in Higher Education. 1.
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/36611