Signs of Presence: Developing an Awareness of Body Wisdom in Teachers

• In Event: Semiotics in Education: Alternate Means of Understanding

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate teachers’ experiences of their body awareness during presence experience workshop. The overarching research question for this study was: “How do teachers experience professional growth through awakening body awareness?” Data was collected through interviews, reflection papers and journals, and informal observation of the participants before, during, and after the workshop. The findings suggest that participants moved through phases best described by Peirce’s triadic conception of semiosis. The implications for teacher development and the enhancement of body awareness to foster the professional development of teachers are discussed.

Authors

• John E. Henning, Monmouth University

• Sara Ahangar Ahmadi, Ohio University