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focus on contemplative teaching and learning

As we embark upon the start of the school year, we're highlighting resources for faculty interested in contemplative pedagogy. We are also thrilled to announce that our academic course, The Art and Science of Human Flourishing, is now available to all UVA undergraduates, not just first-years. We also have much more news to share, so read on!

Pictured above: Spyridon Simotas implemented contemplative pedagogy in his French class last year using ART, a mindfulness and data visualization tool designed to capture students’ learning journeys. He is pictured here with a student-created poster. The class, in partnership with the Rare Book School, printed these limited-edition works with the letterpress technology from the Enlightenment. The poster includes a quote by Denis Diderot: "Those who have studied themselves will be well advanced in their knowledge of others." Simotas, a lecturer in the Department of French, successfully defended his dissertation over Zoom this spring. Congratulations! Learn more about his project here.


Contemplative course design video series

This series of eight short videos produced by CSC's Associate Director of Pedagogy and Faculty Engagement, Karolyn Kinane, introduces contemplative pedagogy to college instructors, giving them the basic vocabulary and skills to begin to engage in teaching as a contemplative practice. With special attention to the role of this approach in backward design, the instruction offers specific examples from online learning environments in higher education. 

The videos also address the relationship between course design best practices and contemplative values including  presence, awareness, and reflection. The short videos (totaling 41 minutes) feature exercises that identify the beliefs, habits, and intentions undergirding instructors’ teaching philosophies and practices. They offer guidance on developing strategies to design learning experiences in line with the individual's most pressing goals for student-learning.

WATCH VIDEOS >


NEW FACULTY LEARNING COMMUNITY

CSC is launching the Contemplative Practice Faculty Community to support faculty in beginning or maintaining contemplative practices. It is open to all UVA instructors whether new to contemplation, a seasoned practitioner, or anywhere in between. Participation includes a weekly, 15-minute contemplative session incorporating mindfulness, gentle movement, or an observational practice. We ask you to commit to attending this session two times a month. Past CSC Learning Community members are welcome!

Additionally, we are planning a multi-day Contemplative Institute in summer 2021 for UVA faculty and instructors wanting a deep dive into contemplative practice, inquiry, and pedagogy. If you would like a peek at one approach to contemplative course design, please visit the video series highlighted in this newsletter, featuring brief videos on “the contemplative pause” in teaching and learning.

Karolyn Kinane is also available for one-on-one consultations on contemplative pedagogy, inquiry, research, and scholarship. Feel free to reach out at any time. If you are interested in any opportunities related to contemplative pedagogy, email Karolyn Kinane: kk7av@virginia.edu or csc@virginia.edu.

LEARN MORE >


dalai lama fellows leadership assembly wraps!

Last week, the 2019 and 2020 Dalai Lama Fellow cohorts met virtually for the annual  Contemplative Leadership Assembly. The gathering was an opportunity to deepen their contemplative practices and learn new perspectives on leadership and social change. By engaging in workshops and dialogues throughout the week and sharing stories and experiences from diverse cultural backgrounds, fellows left the assembly with lifelong friendships and a reimagined sense of leadership. While the event was a chance for members of the 2020 cohort to meet members of both groups, it also marked the culmination of the year-long fellowship for the 2019 cohort. From here they will continue their lifelong commitment for social change and justice. In total, Dalai Lama Fellows has supported 194 young leaders across 52 countries.

Listen to 2020 Fellow, Florence Ofori, speak about her work empowering young girls in Ghana on DLF YouTube.


LEARN MORE >


Art & Science of human flourishing now offered to all undergraduates

We are excited to offer CSC's innovative academic class The Art & Science of Human Flourishing (ASHF) to all UVA undergraduates. Previously available only to first-year students, the course explores human flourishing, well-being, and resilience and presents a balance of theory and practice organized into five domains: self-awareness, well-being, connection, wisdom, and integration.

Each week's class explores a single quality of flourishing through scientific research, humanistic reflection, and artistic expression. In addition, students will experience a set of contemplative practices linked to the quality explored. Registration began on August 10.

LEARN MORE >


phd+ Contemplative inquiry, pedagogy & practice

Monday, September 14, 3:30 - 5:00pm
Eligibility: UVA graduate and post-doctoral students
Location: Zoom

Taught by CSC's Karolyn Kinane, this workshop aims to help graduate and post-doctoral students navigate the various academic roles and responsibilities that at times can feel disorienting and stressful. The interactive 90-minute course will explore how contemplative approaches to research, teaching, and daily life can enhance our well-being as scientists, scholars, teachers, and students. Drawing from both the art and science of human flourishing and with particular attention to the digital environment, students will learn about theories and techniques for thriving in graduate school and postdoc training. This class is part of PHD Plus–UVA's University-wide initiative to prepare graduate students across all disciplines for long-term career success.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER >


Q&A PRACTICE AND PROCESS VIDEOS POSTED

We completed our yoga Q&A series featuring intriguing and wise teachers from around the world, including John Campbell; Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor; Kate O'Donnell; David Garrigues, and Robert A.F. Thurman. Videos are available here or at the link below. Discussions included a range of topics, from Ashtanga yoga practice to thoughts on aging, Ayurveda, reincarnation, and the illusion of “self.” 

WATCH VIDEOS > 


academic courses GOT NEWS?
In addition to the ASHF course described above, check out our curated list of over 20 UVA academic classes featuring content related to well-being and flourishing. Learn more. Faculty & Instructors: We'd love to hear about your publications or presentations on contemplative teaching and learning. Send them to us or email any questions to: csc@virginia.edu
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