Abstract

This research project incorporates a series of mindfulness and contemplative workshops withinthe established curriculum of an advanced art studio methods course for pre-service arteducators. Educational research studies suggest that individuals who complete a mindfulnesscourse of study experience increased mental and physical stamina; enhanced memory retention;and decreased irritability, anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. Research also indicates thatindividuals who practice mindfulness have improved relationships and bolstered immunesystems (Williams & Penman, 2012. These studies suggest that mindfulness training can makepositive contributions to teaching and learning, enabling teachers and students to perform at theirbest capacity in their respective roles. Many studies hypothesized that mindfulness trainingwould enhance student well-being and learning in particular. The hypothesis of the current studywas that an arts-integrated mindfulness curriculum will enhance student learning, art practice,and attitudes toward teaching and learning. This was an exploratory study designed to investigatepossible connections between art-making and mindfulness.

Degree

College and Department

Fine Arts and Communications; Art

Rights

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