Mindfulness to Enhance Teaching and Learning

Abstract

This chapter deals with the concept of mindfulness as a skill required both by teachers and by students. This concept is explored by providing a brief review of why the concept of mindfulness is gaining attention in medicine and higher education. As a mindful practitioner, the author describes examples of how mindful practices in his daily life have opened and enriched his teaching experiences and enhanced student learning. Mindful practice has also enabled the author to take a broader perspective of how medical schools can develop “better” doctors. In engaging with colleagues across the university, the author has applied this perspective to develop a medical humanities course for the undergraduate medical curriculum.