Author

Gena Roisum

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

dc_type

text

dc_publisher

DigitalCommons@Hamline

dc_format

application/pdf

dc_source

School of Education Student Capstone Projects

Included in

Education Commons

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