Mindfulness in the Classroom

With wellbeing an essential part of the curriculum in the UK, schools are showing an increasing interest in mindfulness. To ethically and effectively bring mindfulness techniques in the classroom, teachers need to master the principles and wider implications of the practice.

On this online microcredential from the University of Aberdeen, you’ll learn how to integrate mindfulness in your teaching. From establishing a mindful teacher presence to cultivating mindfulness among pupils, you’ll gain the practical training you need to enhance learning and wellbeing through mindfulness in the classroom.

Delve into the science and research behind mindfulness

Before you begin implementing mindfulness in the classroom, you’ll need to understand the science and theory underpinning it. The programme will start with an introduction to the fundamental principles of mindfulness, and its benefits for managing stress, improving mental wellbeing, and supporting learning.

Exploring research into a range of common mindfulness and heartfulness practices, you’ll examine their methods, purpose, and underlying science.

Discover mindfulness tools, apps, and resources

Once you’ve understood the evidence for integrating mindfulness in the classroom, you’ll investigate the tools and resources available to help you do so. 

Your programme leaders will help you differentiate between a wide range apps, resources, information, and misinformation, allowing you to build an evidenced and ethical approach to using mindfulness with your pupils. You’ll also be encouraged to take a critical approach to evaluating these tools.

Cultivate a mindful teacher presence to enhance learning and reduce stress

Mindfulness has as many benefits for teachers as for students. A mindful teacher is calmer, more resilient, and better able to avoid escalating classroom tensions. 

With the support of programme leaders, you’ll gain the confidence to apply mindfulness to your own presence in the classroom. This will help you develop positive relationships with both peers and pupils, as well as reducing stress and building resilience.

By the end of the microcredential, you’ll be ready to safely and effectively implement mindfulness in your classroom.

How will this microcredential help to develop my career?

This microcredential is specifically targeted at practising teachers, and designed to equip them with concrete skills and tools for their work. You’ll receive evidence-based, tailored guidance on approaches and resources that you can use in your classroom. This will provide valuable professional development and enable you to lead on mindfulness in your school and the wider education environment.

With the credits you gain at the end of the programme, you can build towards a degree or formal certificate to demonstrate your skills to future recruiters.

How will I be assessed?

You’ll complete two entirely online assessments designed to test the skills and knowledge you have gained throughout the course: one reflective journal and one professional enquiry report (each worth 50% of your grade).

Will I receive university credits?

Yes, you’ll earn 15 Level 11 credits at postgraduate level from the University of Aberdeen. You can use these credits to build towards a Master’s degree in Mindfulness (MSc) from the University of Aberdeen, the first of its kind in Scotland,  or a Mindfulness Professional Recognition from the General Teaching Council of Scotland (GTCS).