Presence in Teaching: Awakening the Body Wisdom

• In Event: 14.043 - Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: 14.043-1 - Affect and Embodiment in Professional Development

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to address the need for attention to body awareness among teachers for being fully present in class. This study explored the overarching research question: “How can presence experience be fostered among teachers through awakening body awareness?” through a professional development course. This qualitative study investigated the perceptions and experiences of teachers before, during, and after the body awareness workshop. Case study was utilized and interviewing, participants’ reflections and journals, and informal observations were the data collection methods. Findings revealed that presence could be fostered in teachers through body awareness workshop; it enhanced the experience of holistic self and higher levels of relationship in teaching and life, leading to optimized quality of learning and teaching.

Author

• Sara Ahangar Ahmadi, Ohio University