These programs were funded by Quebec's ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur, through contributions from the Canada-Québec Agreement on Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction.
Contemplative pedagogy
Contemplative pedagogy to promote reflection and well-being
In recognition of the transformation we are all undergoing, the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) is leading a contemplative pedagogy initiative in support of the teaching and learning community.
How can we, and our students, navigate an increasingly fractured world?
How might contemplative practices help us connect our inner and outer worlds, helping us understand our whole human experience?
Contemplative practices summit
Join us for a series of workshops that explore the intersections between contemplative practices and trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and inclusive pedagogies. The Summit invites educators to cultivate mindful, reflective practices that recognize and address exclusionary approaches when implementing contemplative practices and in their teaching more generally.
Ultimately, the Summit aims to generate ideas for fostering intentional action, presence, and connection in the learning environment to support the mutual flourishing of students and educators.
Personal introspection and contemplation reveal our inextricable connection to each other, opening the heart and mind to true community, deeper insight, sustainable living, and a more just society. As never before, we are faced with challenges that require both an understanding of technical and analytical reasoning and the ability to sustain inquiries into our connections to ourselves and others. Without a context to develop the awareness of the implications of our actions and a clear idea of what is most deeply meaningful to us, we will continue to act in ways that force us into short term, myopic responses to a world increasingly out of control. –
Barbezat & Bush, 2014
About
Contemplation, described by Hart (2004) as a ‘third way of knowing’ that is complementary to ‘rational and sensory knowing’ has emerged in an array of classroom practices from primary through higher education. Research links contemplative practices to cognitive and character development through activities that improve concentration, self-awareness and overall well-being.
Contemplative practice in education is distinct from the spiritual roots of contemplation. These practices foster mindfulness and reflection to deconstruct positionality, belief and culture, and thereby allow for deeper learning and inclusive classroom environments.
Benefits of contemplative pedagogy and practices
Contemplative Pedagogy is an approach to teaching and learning that encourages deep learning and character development by cultivating students’ focused attention, reflection, and introspection. It fosters a ‘third way of knowing’ that complements traditional teaching methods and includes various contemplative practices. Refer to the “Tree of Contemplative Practices” to learn more.
Contemplative practices offer numerous advantages for both instructors and students, including:
Increase focus and attention on learning tasks and enhance classroom presence;
Improve sense of well-being and help reduce stress levels;
Develop self-awareness, alternative perspectives, and critical thinking skills;
Promote whole-person education and flourishing; and
Encourage students to integrate their own values and experiences and approach learning as a process of personal inquiry.
Contemplative educators at Concordia
The are several instructors and teaching staff at Concordia who are exploring ways in which to integrate contemplative practices to enhance teaching and learning. Here are some examples of their work and practices.
Rosemary C. Reilly, Full Professor, Applied Human Sciences
Sara Terreault, Part-time Faculty, Theological Studies, Religions & Cultures, Irish Studies
Joseph Siddiqi, Part-time Faculty, Painting & Drawing, Studio Art
Anne Archambault, Part-time Faculty, Applied Human Sciences
- Megan Fitzgibbons, Acting Associate University Librarian, Research & Graduate Studies, Concordia University Library
- Theodore Klein, Senior Instructor in Business Administration, Concordia Continuing Education
Contemplative pedagogies faculty interest group events
Past activities
As we emerge from the isolation of remote work and teaching, it is important to focus on restoring and enhancing our well-being in order to re-energize our relationship with teaching and learning. Mindfulness, compassion and contemplative pedagogy offer entry points to starting new practices which support safe, welcoming and healthy learning environments.
The CTL contemplative pedagogy initiative included multiple components.
Mindful Self-Compassion training for Concordia faculty
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), as evidenced in the research of Dr. Kristen Neff and Dr. Christopher Germer, is proven to reduce stress, increase connection to others and strengthen emotional resilience. It also offers the possibility of fostering community and action-based compassionate understanding.
- A 8-week training program on Mindful Self-Compassion for Concordia faculty in Fall 2022 and Winter 2023
- 3-hour on-line introductory workshops on Mindful Self-Compassion practice for the Concordia community
- a research component to foster continuous growth and engagement with contemplative practices across higher education
Speaker series, workshops, talks and practice sessions
- weekly drop-in meditation sessions for the Concordia community
- a speaker series and workshops on Contemplative Pedagogy Practices to Promote Well-being, Deep Learning and Community Building
- a talk on Enacting Decolonial Contemplative Mentorship: Meditations on the legacy of Plenty Fox, by Dr. Michael Yellow Bird
- a talk on The power of ceremony: Indigenous contemplative practices, neurodecolonization, and Indigenous mindfulness, by Dr. Michael Yellow Bird
- a hybrid symposium (Journée d’échange) on Building campus culture through mindfulnesss
These programs were funded by Quebec's ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur, through contributions from the Canada-Québec Agreement on Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction.
Faculty reading circle on Contemplative Practices
The faculty reading circle were gatherings to explore articles that deepen our understanding of contemplative teaching practices, foster discussion around its impact on instructors and students, and explore various methods of implementing contemplative practice in the classroom and across different disciplines.
News about the project
Other health and wellness resources at Concordia
- Mindful campus initiative at Concordia
- Mental health and wellness resources for the Concordia community
- Mental health and wellness resources for Concordia employees on Carrefour, the faculty and staff hub
- CU Wellness online psychoeducational workshops for the Concordia community
- Student peer support from Peer Wellness Ambassadors