Mindfulness exercises for written communication: Key issues in large classrooms

ABSTRACT

Written communication is essential to student success. Mindfulness exercises may improve thoughts and feelings that support written communication. These exercises are typically delivered to students in small groups such as tutorials. However, first year courses that develop written communication skills are often delivered in large classroom settings. The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of delivering mindfulness exercises to improve written communication in large introductory university classrooms. Using observations throughout an eight-week period, the authors identify key issues associated with mindfulness in this setting. These issues include a lack of engagement which stem from distractions and disinterest with mindfulness scripts. Strategies for instructors who aim to introduce mindfulness exercises into their large classrooms are offered.

KEYWORDS:

• mindfulness
• communication
• large-classrooms
• writing

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Centre for Teaching Excellence, University of Waterloo [Learning Innovation and Teaching Enhancement Seed].

Notes on contributors

Nicole Westlund Stewart

Nicole Westlund Stewart is a Writing and Multimodal Communication Specialist (Writing and Communication Centre) at the University of Waterloo. She has a PhD in Kinesiology (sport psychology) and her current research interests include investigating how mental skills can enhance writing and communication skills in the university context.

A. Wade Wilson

A. Wade Wilson is a Lecturer (Department of Kinesiology) at the University of Waterloo and a Mental Performance Consultant. He holds a PhD in Recreation & Leisure Studies and his current research interests involve student wellbeing and integrating mental performance skills into the university classroom.

David W. Drewery

David W. Drewery is a PhD Candidate (Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies) at the University of Waterloo. His research interests include service management, consumer behaviour, and work-integrated learning.