Contemplative Pedagogy Summer Sessions | The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society
Introduction to Contemplative Pedagogy
Contemplative Pedagogy involves teaching methods designed to cultivate deepened awareness, concentration, and insight within the educational process. Rooted in ancient tradition yet adapted for modern academic settings, these approaches foster a nurturing learning environment that aims to benefit both teachers and students in profound and practical ways.
Insights from Past Summer Sessions
The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society has been at the forefront of integrating contemplative practices into higher education. The summer sessions organized by the center serve as a rich resource for educators seeking comprehensive training and professional development in contemplative methodologies.
Overview of Notable Sessions
- 2006: The Roots of Contemplative Education
- 2008: Mindfulness in Academic Settings
- 2009: Expanding Scope of Contemplative Techniques
- 2010: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Contemplation
- 2011: Integrating Contemplative Practices into Curriculum
- 2013: Advancing Contemplative Pedagogy in Higher Education
Highlights from the 2013 Summer Session
The 2013 Summer Session was pivotal in extending the scope of contemplative pedagogy across disciplines. Educators from various academic fields shared their experiences and the positive impacts of contemplative practices on their educational outcomes.
Transformative Webinar Series
The webinars hosted by the center present thought-provoking insights and practical techniques from renowned educators and researchers on contemplative education. Below are summaries of select webinars.
Reports and Videos of Past Summer Sessions
The Mindful Teacher
Steven Emmanuel discusses traditional meditation practice as a means of refining qualities characteristic of the mindful teacher.
Legal Education as Contemplative, Multicultural Inquiry
Rhonda Magee speaks on cultivating competencies necessary to address systemic inequalities through contemplative legal education.
The Neuroscience of Somatic Attention
Catherine Kerr explores neuroscientific foundations of somatic attention and its relevance for educators.
Sentipensante Pedagogy and Contemplative Practice
Laura Rendon and Vijay Kanagala offer insights on Sentipensante pedagogy, which harmonizes intuition and intellect.
Contemplative Pedagogies in Geosciences
Jill Schneiderman shares contemplative practices tailored for geoscience education.
Cultivating the Executive Mind
Jeremy Hunter describes a mindfulness program for managers designed to enhance productivity and self-management.
Expanding Horizons with Contemplative Studies
The interweaving of contemplative practices into academia has not only revitalized teaching methods but has also offered new realms for scholarly exploration. The center's effort in blending these time-honored practices with contemporary studies suggests a future where education is not only information-based but also wisdom-oriented.
Final Thoughts: Travel, Hotels, and Contemplative Learning
For educators and learners who travel to attend contemplative pedagogy sessions, the journey becomes part of the learning experience. Staying in hotels offers moments of solitude and reflection, providing a space to integrate the day's learnings. As participants immerse themselves in new environments, both the travel and accommodation become extensions of the contemplative training—a journey inward as much as a journey to a new locale.
