CENTERING LEARNING

BY JOSH HOLDER

Steve Haberlin, an assistant professor of curriculum and instruction, leads a short meditation practice before most classes to help students lower their stress levels — so they can focus on learning.

WHAT BENEFITS DO STUDENTS SEE FROM PRACTICING MEDITATION?

We’re learning new things every day about the direct effects of meditation in the classroom, but we know for sure that practicing meditation can help lower students’ cortisol levels, easing feelings of stress and anxiety. Lower cortisol can translate to improved concentration, focus and working memory, which are all skills that lead to positive outcomes in the classroom.

One of my students, who is an assistant principal at a middle school, has since started meditating on his own. And according to his doctor, his blood pressure dropped after a few weeks.

WHERE SHOULD EDUCATORS START WHEN TRYING TO PRACTICE MEDITATION IN THE CLASSROOM?

The best place to start is with your own meditation practice. There’s a big difference between knowing how to meditate and teaching others meditation practices, but being able to start from a place of personal experience is extremely helpful in helping others — especially students — navigate learning meditation practices.

HOW CAN THIS HELP US BUILD MORE RESILIENT COMMUNITIES?

At the end of the day, the strength of any society rests on the strength of individuals. If we all take a few minutes each day to practice these self-care techniques, the reduction in our individual stress levels may help us be more prepared to weather any challenges that may come our way.