Making Sense Of Mindfulness In Indonesian Elementary Schools: A Phenomenological Exploration Of Pupils’ Lived Experiences Of Concentration And Memory Within The “Merdeka Belajar” Context
Lauw Acep, Dewi Oktaviany
Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Nasional December 28, 2025 DOI: 10.59435/jipnas.v3i3.317 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Hermeneutic-phenomenological study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 5 |
| Population | Indonesian elementary school students in grades 4-5 |
| Intervention | Mindfulness meditation |
| Duration | Four-week classroom mindfulness program |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Lived experience Context archaeology Thematic analysis Perception Indonesian Phenomenology philosophy Cognitive psychology Everyday life Qualitative research Interpretative phenomenological analysis Space punctuation Participant observation Developmental psychology |
| Key points | The essence of students' lived experience of mindfulness meditation is a shift from an anxious mind to a calm mind that opens up space for learning. |
Abstract
This study aims to elucidate the essence of Indonesian elementary school students' lived experiences of mindfulness meditation and how it shapes their perceptions of concentration and memory in the context of "Freedom to Learn." A hermeneutic-phenomenological study was conducted with five students in grades 4-5. Data were generated through in-depth conversations and participant observations during a four-week classroom mindfulness program and analyzed through phenomenological reduction and thematic synthesis. The research findings indicate that the unchanging essence, namely "a shift from an anxious mind to a calm mind that opens up space for learning," is expressed through four interrelated themes: perceived emotional calm, sustained attention, easier recall, and positive appreciation of quiet moments. The study concludes that mindfulness is not simply a technique, but a pedagogical way of life that begins with learning; integrating brief, mindful pauses can foster reflective, calm, and independent learners aligned with the Pancasila Student Profile.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.