Module: Mindfulness & Wellbeing

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Mindfulness & Wellbeing
Module Code	ED2024 (ITS) / EDP1077 (Banner)
Faculty	DCU Institute of Education	School	STEM Ed, Innov, Global Studies
Module Co-ordinator	Catherine Furlong
Module Teachers	Mary Glynn
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None

Description

Mindfulness involves learning to be fully present in each moment of our life as it unfolds. Rather than being continually caught up in thoughts of the past or the future, mindfulness trains us to ‘be here now’ and respond calmly and skilfully (rather than react) to whatever is happening in the present moment. In recent decades, mindfulness interventions and research have proliferated across the world, and the emerging evidence base suggests that mindfulness has a wide range of potential applications to enhance well-being and performance in all walks of life. The purpose of this module is that through the exploration of mindfulness practices, students will be enabled to improve focus, attention span and concentration; develop coping skills to manage stress and anxiety; develop a ‘tool-kit’ of mindfulness techniques to support personal wellbeing.

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop an understanding of mindfulness and explore general misconceptions relating to the concept
2. Explore and develop the ability to practise the 9 foundational attitudes of mindfulness: non-judging, patience; beginner’s mind; trust; non-striving; acceptance; gratitude; generosity and letting go
3. Learn to focus attention of the senses through informal practices such as mindful looking, listening, smelling, tasting, and touching
4. Learn to focus attention and be present through formal breathing practices and the use of a body scan
5. Explore the practice of mindful movement in standing, sitting, and walking positions
6. Develop a personal toolkit of mindfulness practices to manage personal stress and anxiety and improve overall wellbeing

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Seminars	24	No Description
Fieldwork	28	Daily mindfulness Practice at home
Directed learning	35	Independent reading
Independent Study	38	Independent review of and additional practice with course resources on module blog
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Defining mindfulness

Foundational attitudes of mindfulness

Mindfulness of the senses

Mindfulness of the breath and body

Body Scan

Mindful movement

Developing a personal mindfulness practice

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Assignment	n/a	100%	n/a
Assignment	Reflective essay supported by Qs relating to each of the Learning Outcomes Word count 1500	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Kabat-Zinn, J.: 2020, Full Catastrophe Living How to Cope with Stress, Pain and Illness Using Mindfulness Meditation., Revised, Little, Brown Book Group.,
Williams M. & Penman D.: 2011, Mindfulness: an eight-week plan for finding peace in a frantic world.,

Other Resources

0, Blog, 0, Course Blog, https://bedmindfulness.blogspot.ie,