Mindfulness Practices And Learning Economics

Abstract

There is a growing interest among educators in teaching and learning practices based on mindfulness, a concept derived from eastern meditative traditions.  This paper describes how mindfulness practices and concepts can be used to enhance the student’s learning experience in beginning economics courses. Specific areas with a high potential for learning enhancement are identified: grasping abstract economic concepts, seeing beyond obvious economic consequences, and finding one’s own ethical framework in economic analysis.  Current research linking mindfulness practices to student development in these areas is examined and practical methods are offered to integrate mindfulness into the economics classroom.