What does it take to bring the fun, the enjoyment, the sheer joy of teaching and learning back to your courses? Perhaps it starts with you. This pre-conference workshop has two core objectives: re-energizing participants and sharing three foundational approaches to engage students. By experiencing foundational practices and developing a plan using the ALIVE model, you will be equipped to enhance your mindfulness, energy, relationships, purpose, and joy.
As Goleman (2013) has shown, in today’s fast-moving world, it’s easy to become distracted, isolated and overwhelmed. Yet, focus is integral to happiness, productivity and relationships. Paying attention is essential for completing the rigors of academic life. We will begin with mindfulness practices as a foundation. Participants will work individually and in small groups to plan how they will enhance their health and energy in key areas and enhance their passion and purpose. You will also benefit from both theory and practice of spending time in nature. Louv (2012) argued that the future will belong to the nature-smart—those individuals, families, businesses, and political leaders who develop a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the natural world and who balance the virtual with the real. He noted that the more high-tech we become, the more nature we need. Some key research findings about the benefits of nature will be shared. There will be a nature exploration completed in partners. The final component towards the first objective will involve the importance of enjoyment and focus on ten core positive emotions (Frederickson, 2009) and how to get more of them throughout each week.
By experiencing essential approaches to forging a dynamic environment, (e.g., human connection, whole body learning, and connecting content with context) you will leave with new approaches to inspire, encourage, and uplift students.
