scholarly journals Do Trainee Mindfulness Teachers Practice What They Teach? Motivation, Challenges, and Learning Gaps

Mindfulness ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison Bowden ◽  
Katie Norton ◽  
Gemma Maria Griffith
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Training ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Trainee Teachers ◽  
Teacher Competency ◽  
Reflective Skills ◽  
Inductive Thematic Analysis

Abstract Objectives Research concerned with mindfulness-based program (MBP) teacher training has focused on the importance of developing teacher competency and integrity, with little emphasis on the experience of trainees themselves. The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of trainee MBPs teachers as they delivered their first MBPs, with a focus on how they utilized their personal mindfulness practice to support themselves during this time. Methods We explored the experiences of university-based trainee teachers of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) when starting to teach, the ways they negotiated any challenges, and the extent to which they felt supported by their mindfulness practice. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with new MBSR teachers currently on a training course (N = 8). The interview data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results The key findings of the study were that trainee teachers were deeply motivated to teach MBPs with great integrity; did not anticipate the amount of time and effort needed to deliver their first MBSR courses; had concerns about the viability of the 8-week format of MBSR; needed more development in the area of self-reflection; and do indeed practice what they teach, and used their personal mindfulness practice to work with challenges. Conclusions These findings show that trainee mindfulness teachers are actively engaged with developing their teaching skills, and offer directions for how the pedagogy of MBP teacher training may be further developed. Trainees might benefit from additional pedagogical input on the practicalities of delivering MBSR in community settings, and on the development of reflective skills.

scholarly journals Promoting Metacognitive and Linguistic Skills: Digital Learning Logs in Pre-Service Teacher Training

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 117-126
Author(s):  
Ana Otto ◽  
Beatriz López-Medina
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Training ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Digital Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Linguistic Skills ◽  
Learning Logs ◽  
Pre Service Teacher ◽  
Learning Log

This paper reports on the implementation of digital learning logs in the context of pre-service teacher training in a distance university in Madrid. The learning log, which had been previously implemented in the subject as a learning tool, has proven to be especially useful in Covid-19 times since the students had to work more independently and could use it to reflect upon their learning without the conventional teaching they were used to. The paper has a two-fold aim: first, to analyze whether the learning logs helped in promoting students’ autonomy and self-reflection, and second, to observe whether they contribute to the development of their linguistic competence in English as a foreign language. Participants of the study (n= 47) are students of the Primary and Infant Education degrees, specializing in English teaching, whose L2 level ranges between B1 and C2. At the end of half term, they were given the possibility of completing a learning log to record their learning process, review concepts and be aware of potential learning gaps and needs, and act accordingly. For this purpose, and to encourage participation, L1 or L2 could be chosen as vehicular languages. Participants were asked to complete an online questionnaire on their experience using the logs, answering questions regarding the suitability of this tool to enhance their language skills and promote effective strategies to become independent learners. The data drawn from the questionnaires submitted (n=29) were later analyzed through SPSS. In addition, individual semi-structured interviews were carried out to collect information on those participants who had not completed the learning log (n=11). The findings of the study show that the vast majority of participants agree on the potential of learning logs as a useful tool to keep track of their learning process and to develop metacognitive awareness and linguistic skills.  

scholarly journals Development and Assessment of Reflective Skills among Teacher Trainees in Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (Issue 3) ◽  
pp. 190-197
Author(s):  
Raymond Martin Ndomba
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Training ◽  
Student Teachers ◽  
Teacher Educators ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Cognitive Strategies ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Training Institution ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Teacher Colleges ◽  
Reflective Skills

Reflective skills are a required ability that needs to be developed and assessed in any teacher training institution for quality practice and overall professional effectiveness. This study employed a case study design in exploring how teacher educators viewed the development and assessment of the reflective skills to the pre-service student teachers and the challenges educators faced among two selected teacher training colleges in Kilimanjaro and Ruvuma Regions. Data was collected through structured interviews to a sample of 10 teacher educators from two teacher colleges. The study concludes that there are different approaches used by educators in as far as developing reflective skills is concerned. These include participatory methods, inquiry learning, research strategy, group discussion, question-answer strategy and portfolios. Participatory strategy was more often used as compared to the other strategies because it is very easy and simple to administer. Each strategy had some peculiar advantages. Teacher educators used various approaches in assessing reflective skills among pre-service student teachers. The strategies used include portfolios, single lesson practice, block teaching practices, problem-solving ability and projects. Each strategy used had some specific advantages as compared to the others. The challenges teacher educators faced in developing and assessing the reflective skills of the pre-service student teachers included personal, professional, psychological and institutional. The study recommends that teacher educators should make effective use of cognitive strategies while teaching. They should also furnish their knowledge and understanding of the subject matter for them to be acquainted with current innovations in order to minimize the notable challenges.

scholarly journals Cognitive Operations in Teachers’ Development of Reflective Skills: WANDA Group reflection in a Czech primary school

Pedagogika ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jana Poche Kargerová ◽  
Petra Vallin ◽  
Kamila Etchegoyen Rosolová ◽  
Kristýna Bajerová
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Professional Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Cognitive Operations ◽  
Practical Standpoint ◽  
Teacher Professional ◽  
Reflective Skills

In the current rapidly changing world, demands on teacher quality and teacher change are ever- increasing. One important and powerful way to transform schools is through teacher professional development focusing on teachers’ reflective skills. But the development of reflective skills is challenging not only from a practical standpoint but also in terms of the demands it places on teachers’ cognitive operations. In our study we examined how a specific highly-structured method called WANDA facilitates the development of teachers’ reflective skills. WANDA is a form of professional development through group reflection embedded in a five-stage reflective cycle. We connected the stages with cognitive operations employed in the development of reflective skills, and assessed how teachers respond to each stage. Our case study draws on a qualitative research inquiry including semi-structured interviews with nine WANDA participants who teach in a Czech primary school. Our results show that a crucial phase of WANDA that comes early in the process imposes very high demands on teachers’ cognitive operations. Teachers might be better prepared to engage in this phase if it comes later in the process and is swapped with another stage that the teachers found highly engaging and fun thanks to its playful form. Overall, WANDA appears to be a meaningful tool in developing teachers’ reflective skills, leading them to metacognition, the ultimate peak of self-reflection. Keywords: professional development, WANDA method, group reflection, professional learning communities

scholarly journals Exploring the Impact of Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Its Relationship with Domestic Violence: A Qualitative Study on Experts’ Perceptions

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 233339362110281
Author(s):  
Renee Fiolet ◽  
Cynthia Brown ◽  
Molly Wellington ◽  
Karen Bentley ◽  
Kelsey Hegarty
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Specialist Service ◽  
Data Coding ◽  
Integral Role ◽  
Impact Of Technology ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Inductive Thematic Analysis

Technology-facilitated abuse can be a serious form of domestic violence. Little is known about the relationship between technology-facilitated abuse and other types of domestic violence, or the impact technology-facilitated abuse has on survivors. The aim of this interpretative descriptive study is to understand domestic violence specialist service providers’ perspectives on the impact of technology-facilitated abuse, and the link between technology-facilitated abuse and other forms of domestic violence. A qualitative approach using 15 semi-structured interviews were undertaken with Australian domestic violence specialist practitioners, and three themes were identified through data coding using inductive thematic analysis. Another form of control describes technology-facilitated abuse behaviors as enacting controlling behaviors using new mediums. Amplifies level of fear characterizes the impact of technology-facilitated abuse. A powerful tool to engage others describes opportunities technology offers perpetrators to abuse through engaging others. Findings highlight technology-facilitated abuse’s complexity and integral role in domestic violence and can assist clinicians to understand the impact and harm that can result from technology-facilitated abuse.

scholarly journals Integrating sport and exercise medicine clinics into the National Health Service: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000888
Author(s):  
Dane Vishnubala ◽  
Katherine Rose Marino ◽  
Margaret Kathryn Pratten ◽  
Andy Pringle ◽  
Steffan Arthur Griffin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
National Health ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Heavy Exercise ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ultrasound Education ◽  
Exercise Medicine ◽  
Sport And Exercise ◽  
Inductive Thematic Analysis

ObjectivesTo explore the services National Health Service (NHS)-based sport and exercise medicine (SEM) clinics can offer, and the barriers to creating and integrating SEM services into the NHS.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were undertaken to collect data from identified ‘stakeholders’. Stakeholders were identified as individuals who had experience and knowledge of the speciality of SEM and the NHS. An inductive thematic analysis approach was taken to analyse the data.ResultsN=15 stakeholder interviews. The management of musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries (both acute and chronic) and concussion were highlighted as the two key services that SEM clinics can offer that would most benefit the NHS. MSK ultrasound was also mentioned by all stakeholders as a critical service that SEM clinics should provide. While exercise medicine is an integral part of SEM, SEM clinics should perhaps not have a heavy exercise medicine focus. The key barriers to setting up SEM clinics were stated to be convincing NHS management, conflict with other specialities and a lack of awareness of the speciality.ConclusionThe management of acute MSK injuries and concussion should be the cornerstone of SEM services, ideally with the ability to provide MSK ultrasound. Education of others on the speciality of SEM, confirming consistent ‘unique selling points’ of SEM clinics and promoting how SEM can add value to the NHS is vital. If the successful integration of SEM into the NHS is not widely achieved, we risk the NHS not receiving all the benefits that SEM can provide to the healthcare system.

scholarly journals Telehealth sounds a bit challenging, but it has potential: participant and physiotherapist experiences of gym-based exercise intervention for Achilles tendinopathy monitored via telehealth

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Hasani ◽  
P. Malliaras ◽  
T. Haines ◽  
S. E. Munteanu ◽  
J. White ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Achilles Tendinopathy ◽  
Interpretive Description ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Potential Participant ◽  
Delivery Of Care ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Inductive Thematic Analysis

Abstract Background Although telehealth is becoming more popular for delivery of care for individuals with musculoskeletal pain, to our knowledge telehealth has not been used to manage Achilles tendinopathy. This research aimed to explore the experience of participants and physiotherapists with gym-based exercise interventions for Achilles tendinopathy monitored via videoconference. Methods A qualitative, interpretive description design was performed using semi-structured interviews (8 participants) and a focus group (7 physiotherapists). Participants and physiotherapists were interviewed about their experiences of the use of telehealth during a gym-based exercise intervention incorporating different calf load parameters for Achilles tendinopathy. We employed an inductive thematic analysis approach to analyse the data. Results Three themes identified from both participants and physiotherapists included i) acceptability of telehealth; ii) enablers to adherence with telehealth; and iii) barriers to adherence with telehealth. Two extra themes arose from participants regarding adherence with gym-based exercise, including enablers to adherence with the exercise intervention, and barriers to adherence with the exercise intervention. Both participants and physiotherapists expressed overall satisfaction and acceptability of telehealth monitoring of gym-based exercise. Conclusion Gym-based exercise intervention for Achilles tendinopathy involving weekly telehealth monitoring was acceptable to both participants and physiotherapists. Potential enablers and barriers were identified that may improve adherence to this type of intervention.

scholarly journals In Their Own Words: Parents and Key Informants’ Views on Nutrition Education and Family Health Behaviors

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 8155
Author(s):  
Katherine E. McManus ◽  
Adrian Bertrand ◽  
Anastasia M. Snelling ◽  
Elizabeth W. Cotter
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Family Health ◽  
High Body Mass Index ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Poverty Level ◽  
Black African ◽  
Key Informants

Parents, health professionals, and communities are integral in the development of nutrition behaviors that reduce children’s risk for high body mass index (BMI) and chronic disease. The aim of this study was to conduct formative evaluations with key health informants and parents to understand the specific strategies that families use at mealtimes to promote their family’s health, along with the barriers they face in attending current nutrition education programming. Focus groups (in English and Spanish) were conducted with parents (n = 22; 63.64% Black/African American, 13.64% Black but not African American, 18.18% Hispanic/Latinx) whose household was located in a community where 50% of residents’ gross income was ≤185% of the federal poverty level. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six key informants with expertise in family health and nutrition. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify themes across interviews. Six general themes emerged from the interviews including perceptions of health, relationships, health behaviors, facilitators, barriers, and desired changes. Across the six themes, participants responded with suggestions for community-based health promotion programs such as incorporating a broader definition of health to better address the individual and systemic barriers that perpetuate health inequities and make healthy eating difficult. Participants identified stress reduction, health literacy, and cooking knowledge as areas of interest for future programming.

Mindfulness Practice and Stress Following Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: Examining Within-Person and Between-Person Associations with Latent Curve Modeling

Mindfulness ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1905-1914 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew S. McClintock ◽  
Roger Brown ◽  
Christopher L. Coe ◽  
Aleksandra Zgierska ◽  
Bruce Barrett
Keyword(s):  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Latent Curve ◽  
Curve Modeling ◽  
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

scholarly journals Mindfulness Research Update: 2008

2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey M. Greeson
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Stress Hormones ◽  
Theoretical Work ◽  
The Body ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Optimal Health ◽  
The Brain

Objective: To briefly review the effects of mindfulness on the mind, the brain, the body, and behavior. Methods: Selective review of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar databases (2003—2008) using the terms ``mindfulness,'' ``meditation,'' ``mental health,'' ``physical health,'' ``quality of life,'' and ``stress reduction.'' A total of 52 exemplars of empirical and theoretical work were selected for review. Results: Both basic and clinical research indicate that cultivating a more mindful way of being is associated with less emotional distress, more positive states of mind, and better quality of life. In addition, mindfulness practice can influence the brain, the autonomic nervous system, stress hormones, the immune system, and health behaviors, including eating, sleeping, and substance use, in salutary ways. Conclusion: The application of cutting-edge technology toward understanding mindfulness— an ``inner technology''—is elucidating new ways in which attention, awareness, acceptance, and compassion may promote optimal health—in mind, body, relationships, and spirit.

How do Players and Developers of Citizen Science Games Conceptualize Skill Chains?

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (CHI PLAY) ◽  
pp. 1-29
Author(s):  
Josh Aaron Miller ◽  
Britton Horn ◽  
Matthew Guthrie ◽  
Jonathan Romano ◽  
Guy Geva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Free Recall ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
The Core ◽  
Big Picture ◽  
Prior Literature ◽  
Structure Of Knowledge

For citizen science games (CSGs) to be successful in advancing scientific research, they must effectively train players. Designing tutorials for training can be aided through developing a skill chain of required skills and their dependencies, but skill chain development is an intensive process. In this work, we hypothesized that free recall may be a simpler yet effective method of directly eliciting skill chains. We elicited 23 skill chains from players and developers and augmented our reflexive thematic analysis with 11 semi-structured interviews in order to determine how players and developers conceptualize skill trees and whether free recall can be used as an alternative to more resource-intensive cognitive task analyses. We provide three main contributions: (1) a comparison of skill chain conceptualizations between players and developers and across prior literature; (2) insights to the process of free recall in eliciting CSG skill chains; and (3) a preliminary toolkit of CSG skill-based design recommendations based on our findings. We conclude CSG developers should: give the big picture up front; embrace social learning and paratext use; reinforce the intended structure of knowledge; situate learning within applicable, meaningful contexts; design for discovery and self-reflection; and encourage practice and learning beyond the tutorial. Free recall was ineffective for determining a traditional skill chain but was able to elicit the core gameplay loops, tutorial overviews, and some expert insights.

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