Mindfulness in Multicultural Education: Critical Race Feminist Approaches for Embodying Equity in Undergraduate Education

• In Event: Honing Humanizing Practices: Nurturing Resilience, Mindfulness, and Justice in Teacher Education

Abstract

This session explores mindfulness through a critical race feminist (CRF) approach for undergraduates in Multicultural Education to engage social justice learning. Research questions are: 1)What are aspects of learning multiculturalism that are supported by mindfulness?; 2) How does mindfulness help students learn about multiculturalism particularly from critical race feminist epistemologies? Using mixed qualitative methods, with grounded theory we analyze mindfulness effects on students’ learning in reflection assignments and interviews; with a narrative approach we highlight mindfulness stories of students from marginalized groups. Critical race feminisms emphasize body and spirituality in learning along with the cognitive and emotional. Findings show that Multicultural Education students responded positively to mindfulness as supporting body centeredness, emotional aspects, spiritual connectedness, and understanding content.

Authors

• Kathryn Esther Mcintosh, Oregon State University

• Raisa Blazquez, The Learning Partnership

• Marcos Viveros, Oregon State University

• Freddy León, Oregon State University

• Faran Saeed, Oregon State University

• Courtney Fortenberry, Western Oregon University