ARLIS/NA 43rd Annual Conference

Instructors:
Deborah Ultan Boudewyns, Art & Architecture Librarian, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Lindsay Keating, Arts & Architecture Librarian Project Assistant, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Jill E. Luedke, Art & Architecture Librarian, Temple University
 
Pioneering pedagogies that use mindfulness and reflective techniques in the classroom can help students settle their minds and roundup their attention to be more receptive learners. A growing number of programs and centers point to alternative teaching approaches that incorporate mindfulness, contemplation, and engaged learning environments. Notable educators are undertaking poignant research and writing on the topic of mindfulness in education. Research demonstrates that “contemplative pedagogy” and the integration of mindful practices into higher education facilitates the achievement of traditional educational goals such as improved cognitive and academic performance. 

Incorporating mindfulness practices into library instruction can create engaging learning environments in which both teacher and student are focused and attentive to each other. Teaching librarians often arrive to classrooms where students, distracted by competing priorities and electronic devices, are not tuned into the guest lecturer. How can librarians compete with these distractions? By personalizing the classroom and creating a collective body with mindfulness practices, instructors have the opportunity to cultivate student awareness and focus. Mindfulness pedagogy removes the assumption that the mind is both radically distinct from and of greater value than the body, and erases the foundational dichotomization of mind and body.
 
In this workshop, the spirit of the ancient East meets the grit of the Wild West to create an engaged learning environment. Using research on the benefits of contemplative and mindfulness-based pedagogies, mindfulness techniques will be discussed then applied. Facilitated mindfulness group exercises will offer various methods attendees can apply in their classrooms, and from which they can guide students in gaining lifelong research skills with greater awareness, patience, and focus.

Participants should dress comfortably for light exercise.
Participants will receive an ARLIS/NA yoga mat to take home!
 
Maximum Participants: 25
 
Fee: $70 (includes materials fee)