“Deep Listening” in Buddhist Studies: Teaching and Learning during a Pandemic
Religions June 1, 2021 DOI: 10.3390/rel12060387 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Reflective essay Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation Buddhism |
| Keywords | Buddhist studies Trauma-informed pedagogy Student well-being Experiential learning Online teaching |
| Key points | Argues that an experiential 'deep listening' assignment, paired with a group art project, enhanced connection and community in an online course during pandemic isolation, and that grounding course design in trauma-informed, inclusive, and care-focused principles may enable new teaching and learning outcomes. |
Abstract
Co-authored between a professor and student, this essay discusses how an experiential learning assignment of “deep listening” was integrated into an online course on histories of Buddhist meditation. Paired with a group art project, the work provided not only an opportunity to practice critical communication skills, but also a sense of connection and community, which is especially important during the conditions of pandemic isolation. The course design relied on pedagogical principles specifically aimed at supporting student well-being, such as trauma-informed teaching. We reflect on how grounding course design in inclusive, anti-oppressive and care-focused principles may enable new outcomes in teaching and learning beyond this pandemic year.