Set in the learning community framework we will embark on a shared journey to explore how mindfulness can be used by biology instructors both themselves and in the classroom. There is a wealth of literature on the benefits and uses of contemplative or mindful practices in higher education but not much about incorporating them specifically into the biology education context. Together we will learn about mindful practice and pedagogy while developing and working on a project to figure out how to successfully integrate those practices either ourselves as biology instructors or in our classrooms.

We will meet 6 times over the term (Thursdays 9/17, 10/1, 10/15, 10/29, 11/12, 12/3) from 4:30-6pm.

During these meetings we will do a mindfulness practice (led by Erica), build community, and work on a mutually agreed upon project.

In preparation for the first meeting read Chp2 from the book Contemplative Practices in Higher Education Barbezat and Bush (2013): https://osu.box.com/s/q8h6xg7lln5hxudpiow00x8ecxejil9o

At our second meeting we will: