Reading groups present an opportunity for fruitful interdisciplinary conversations regarding the use and benefits of contemplative practices in higher education. Check out what we’re reading now and when we’ll be getting together to discuss what we learned and the questions that remain.
Contemplative Practices in Higher Education: Powerful Methods to Transform Teaching and Learning
Daniel P. Barbezat & Mirabai Busy
In this reading group, we'll use Barbezat and Bush's Contemplative Practices in Higher Education as both an introduction to the field of contemplative pedagogy as well as a guide for how we might implement contemplative teaching practices into our courses to better support our students and ourselves. Reading topics will include current research on contemplative pedagogy, teacher preparation and classroom challenges, and specific practices such as mindfulness, deep listening, and contemplative approaches to reading and writing. Drawing on a wide range of teacher experiences, this book offers insights and examples of the application of contemplative practices in courses ranging from architecture to social work to chemistry. Over the course of the semester, we'll meet online four times to discuss the book and also workshop plans for how we might begin or continue using these practices to shape our teaching.
Please note that there are no readings assigned for the initial session.
All are welcome, whether you're a first-time or experienced meditator!
Faculty Reading Group
Join facilitator Nick Vagnoni (Teaching Professor, Writing & Rhetoric) and other faculty colleagues to discuss this deeply relevant work. Participants will receive a complimentary copy of the book. Kindly note that this group will meet via Zoom on the following dates:
Tuesdays, September 8, October 6, October 27, and November 17
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
To participate and receive the complimentary book, please RSVP. Spaces are limited.