ERIC Number: EJ1239880
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1361 7672
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Exploring Mystery: Can Christian Meditation at School Nurture Students' Relationships with God?
Journal of Beliefs & Values, v41 n1 p58-71 2020
While there is growing international interest in meditation and mindfulness initiatives in schools, little research has focused on exploring the impact of such practices on students' spirituality. This paper reports data from a mixed method study involving primary school classes engaged in the regular practice of Christian meditation between Years 4 to 6 in Catholic schools in New South Wales, Australia. Student focus group data (n = 114 students) and a student survey (n = 250 students) suggest Christian meditation offers an inclusive and 'hospitable' space for many students, where their spiritual well-being can be nurtured, including their connection to God. However, the findings suggest that accompanying dialogue with students around the purpose and possibilities of Christian meditation may help to better situate the practice as a 'hospitable space' thus enabling deeper engagement with the spiritual in contemporary Catholic classrooms.
Descriptors: Catholic Schools, Christianity, Spiritual Development, Elementary School Students, Metacognition, Foreign Countries, Religious Education, Student Attitudes, Well Being, Teaching Methods
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A