Term
Spring 2021
Capstone
Capstone Project
Degree Name
MAEd
Facilitator(s)
Jana Lo Bello Miller
Content Expert
Andy Highstrom
Abstract
Roisum, G. (2021). Teaching Mindfulness in High School Settings. This capstone project addresses the following research question: How can engaging in mindfulness lessons impact high school student and educator stress levels? Research suggests that mindfulness practice is linked to, among other benefits, statistically significant decreases in student and teacher stress in diverse educational settings. The mindfulness curriculum created for this project is intended for implementation in high school settings, including content area classrooms, case management settings, and other educational programs. Key concepts include stress, trauma, and mental health; mindfulness; social-emotional learning (SEL); and teacher self-efficacy. The lessons are trauma-informed in design and discuss differences in perceptions of stress and mindfulness across cultures. In an effort to create accessible lessons for all students and for teachers inexperienced with mindfulness, the curriculum incorporates educator guidance that includes content information, responsive teaching tips, and research context prior to each brief mindfulness lesson description. The curriculum was designed using Understanding by Design and Differentiated Instruction (UbD/DI) principles. The ten week program can be implemented as weekly activities during one quarter of high school learning. Two summative assessments for student reflection are included, as well as formative assessments in the form of exit slip journal prompts and additional understanding check suggestions. Each lesson generally includes a hook, a mindfulness activity that lasts five to twenty minutes, and an option for formative or summative assessment. Curriculum goals include: students will be able to define stress and mindfulness; students will be able to analyze how they can apply mindfulness strategies in their own lives. Limitations and opportunities for future application and further research are also discussed.
Project Type
Curriculum
Keywords
At-risk Students, Brain-based Learning, Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Teachers/ Teaching
Recommended Citation
Roisum, Gena, "Teaching Mindfulness in High School Settings" (2021). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects. 619.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_cp/619
dc_type
text
dc_publisher
DigitalCommons@Hamline
dc_format
application/pdf
dc_source
School of Education Student Capstone Projects