Program EvaluatioN Design
Mindfulness in Secondary School
An Action Research Project
The Centre for Inspiring mind
Program Background
What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness goes beyond meditation and finding a quiet space to ground and centre one's state of mind. Mindfulness is a state of awareness in being present in the moment to acknowledge and becoming aware of oneself. It’s the practice that has been described as non-judgmental awareness of both internal and external experience, moment to moment, “...an open, undivided observation of what is occurring both internally and externally rather than a particular cognitive approach to external stimuli”. (Brown & Ryan, 2000, p823). One of the psychological strengths of mindfulness is the capacity to maintain an emotional balance within any particular life moment, whatever that happens to be (Fisher & Solloway 2007, 58). |
Social Program:
Mindfulness in Secondary School - An Action Research Project with The Centre for Inspiring Minds. Process of Project Selection:
The Action Research Project was selected by the administration team, at an international school, on an area of need in the school. A team of 3 teachers, through formative research, identified an area of investigation and developed a program for students, staff and parents on mindfulness. The investigation was based on observations and formative conclusions were presented on the high levels of stress in both staff and students, and the school's strategic plan. What the Project Hopes to Achieve: It is the hope of this project to collaboratively investigate the various aspects of mindfulness through this action research project, referred to as the project, to enhance student learning and to bring awareness of its benefits to the school community. The 'ultimate goal', for the future, is to increase an awareness of well-being in the school community. |
Program Information & Focus
The vision of this project is to enhance student learning and raise awareness with mindfulness through the following outcomes within the school community:
Demographics and Size: The project was conducted with an international community of secondary school students of approximately 450 from Grade 6 to 12, staff of 45 and parents. This project was conducted with Grade 10, 11 and 12 students of approximately 150 students. All four objections were achieved by creating three categories, which would support key stakeholders in the community: the Students, Staff and Parents. In order to create a positive movement forward, we wanted to focus on the ‘Mind’ in mindfulness and created:
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Guiding Questions for the Project: If teachers engage students in regular mindfulness practices, in what ways, if any, will the mindfulness practices lead to changes in students’ social and emotional learning? How will providing teachers time, space and opportunities to develop their own mindfulness practice affect the development of a community of practice at school? What resources will be needed to further develop the benefits for staff, students and parents? Click below and leave your feedback in the interactive board...
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THE TEAM & Resources
project Implementation TeamThe implementation team, in secondary school, consisted of 3 teachers.
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External CollaboratorsThe implementation team also consulted with external collaborators through workshops and dialogue from:
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Other ResourcesOther resources were used such as the expertise from:
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Purpose of Evaluation (Work in progress)
The purpose of this evaluation is to:
Questions to consider during this evaluation...
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