Modified focusing as a contemplative pedagogy in an MSW research course

ABSTRACT

Students working toward a Master’s of Social Work in Israeli colleges must complete a demanding research seminar course, a source of stress for many. Focusing is a contemplative practice that these and other students may use to self-regulate their emotions and better cope with the seminar course and beyond. This qualitative research assessed the impact of introducing a modified focusing approach to 17 MSW students enrolled in a research seminar course at a college in Northern Israel. Participants wrote individual reflections on their experience. Analysis revealed four main themes: turning inward, clear thinking, the body knows (a sense of knowledge), and practical application (a sense of efficacy). The results of this contemplative pedagogy suggest students who learn meditative methods of self-regulation, such as focusing, can shift rapidly from stressful states.

KEYWORDS:

• Focusing invitation
• contemplative practice
• research seminar course
• sense of efficacy
• stress regulation

Disclosure statement

Neither of the authors has any conflict of interest to declare, financial or otherwise

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors

Notes on contributors

Ofra Walter

Ofra Walter is a senior lecturer in Tel Hai Academic College and had served as the Chair, Department of Education. She previously served  as head of Education Department. She developed educational academic projects and community guidance.  Walter served as as an  academic advisor in Israel, the U.S. and England. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Raskin (England) from 2007. Served as a consultant and researcher in collaboration with the British Ministry of Education to develop a plan for an intervention integrated program in special education in 2008-2010. Frequently participates in conferences worldwide and invited lectures at conferences in Israel and abroad. Has published book chapters and articles. In the last few years she focused of developing pedagogic skills based on spirituality (invitation for focusing. Meditation) the opened a laboratory were students learn and use these skills in one hand. and in the other hand it is a platform for research on spirituality and subjective well-being.

Vered Shenaar-Golan

Dr. Vered Shenaar Golan Senior Lecturer at Tel Hai Academic College, Department of Social Work. The head of The Master Degree. Had published books and articles on subjective well being and Social Work education.