To investigate the effect of mindfulness activities on learner mindset and confidence.
To explore the impact of tenacity and resilience on the achievements of learners with entry qualifications of GCSE grade 3 or below; not only as a way of improving grades but with the aim of encouraging learners to feel pride in their efforts and an increased confidence in their English ability, no matter what grade they achieved.
The project aimed to improve strategies for confidence and resilience for GCSE re-sit learners. The project undertook a number of activities with students including 'mindful lessons', meditation before writing activities and writing letters to future selves alongside collecting feedback from learners. Early results indicated that mindfulness was useful in improving writing skills, due to the use of visualisation. The improvement in writing skills was evident in mock exams.
OTLA 8
2. Evaluate and challenge your practice, values and beliefs - By engaging in the research activity and asking learners for their perspectives, the team were able to understand how much learners valued being given a quiet time for reflection as well as the importance of a calm learning environment.
3. Inspire, motivate and raise aspirations of leaners through your enthusiasm and knowledge - Throughout the year, learners have had access to a range of experiences not normally associated with the English classroom. Going outside the classroom to walk through nature provided them with a memorable link that they have been able to call on repeatedly in their writing.
11. Manage and promote positive learner behaviour - Using meditations with students was, at times, challenging. However, the result afterwards was always a calmer and more focused classroom which improved learner behaviour.