YouareImportant Project: One Experiential Learning in Mindfulness in the Educational Context

Abstract

[EN] Using Experiential Learning in Mindfulness, students from the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria's higher vocational technical courses in Clinical Secretarial and Social and Community Intervention were able to experience Mindfulness content and exercises in the second semester of the 2022/2023 academic year, as part of the Internship course. This active learning project took place in ten online training sessions over three months, involving four teachers and twenty students. At each session, all the students anonymously evaluated their experience and progress, giving feedback. To summarise, the students gradually became aware of the aims and potential of Mindfulness in their teaching and learning process in Higher Education, with a preference for mindful breathing practices and daily gratitude. The results suggest that the project could be replicated with undergraduate and postgraduate students.