Abstract:
The objectives of this research were 1) to collect and analyze the body of knowledge on contemplative education implemented in various higher education institutions and 2) to research and develop a learning process in Mahidol University based on the concept of contemplative education. Research methods used were documentary research to analyze the design and implementation of contemplative education in 4 foreign universities, participant observation in classes, focus group, as well as interview. Research tools used were attitude test, interviewing form, and student journal. Data from the documentary research showed that the implementation of all 4 selected universities shared these common factors: internal factors (loving kindness, awareness, direct experience, contemplation, interconnectedness, critical thinking, and consideration), external factors (holistic learning, true friendship and role model of teachers), and supporting factors (conducive environment, content, curriculum, organizational culture, and learning resources). Case study data indicated that contemplative education at Mahidol University started with preparation program for teachers in order to gain direct experiences of some contemplative education processes. The researcher and teachers then applied the knowledge learned to develop classroom processes, e.g., additional activities (meditation and Bohmian Dialogue) and student's transformation assessment. Contributing factors for student transformation were internal factors (awareness and reflection); external factors (true friendship, role model of teachers and holistic learning) and supporting factors (conductive environment and assessment methods). From the research findings, the researcher provided the meaning of contemplative education, identified its direction, and offered some suggestions for its development in Thai higher education institutions. Contemplative based institutions must apply contemplative education process in every steps and levels: provide opportunities for teachers to practice together in order to be able to generate "practical wisdom", create communities of practice sharing same space, time, and practices, create supportive organizations with appreciation, understanding of concepts and processes of contemplative education, use appropriate non-mechanistic assessment, have faith in human nature, and have innovative infrastructure, such as suitable physical environment and flexible rules. Suggestions at the practical level for teachers and students included that contemplative education requires continuity and commitment in order to reach its core value and to be able to apply them into real life, and that teachers and students should learn and practice together as a group. Policy-level suggestions included creating appropriate learning environment with natural setting, making contemplative education activities available within the university, and using assessment that is appropriate to the learning and teaching of both students and teachers.