Overview

The module involves active participation in a mindfulness-based approaches course which will broadly follow the curriculum of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) with elements of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) incorporated. This part of the module will include an engagement within the teaching group and individually in a process of investigation into the learning that is arising and unfolding through direct participation in the programme and a daily personal mindfulness practice. There is therefore an expectation that participants will commit to the establishment of a daily mindfulness practice and experiential, investigative exploration of this. This is supported by regular connection with a tutor between sessions to investigate the process of learning through the personal practice of mindfulness and participation in a mindfulness-based approaches course. During the teaching days there will be space to reflect in small groups on personal observations and experiences of the learning and teaching processes. There will also be presentations and discussions on the theoretical underpinnings and rationale for mindfulness-based approaches to change and learning.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -*50%*Basic factual information is given, largely based on teaching material. The essay shows some knowledge of the subject area and is fairly accurate, but has some important errors or gaps. The work is lacking in critical appraisal, but gives some limited evidence of ability to communicate a coherent argument within a logical structure. The material shows the beginnings of insight and a little evidence of the student's capacity to learn through mindful reflection. Material demonstrates some limited ability to describe internal experiences and processes, and to integrate these with theoretical understanding of the subject area. -good -60% Comprehensive and accurate coverage of the subject area is given, showing sound understanding. Good use is made of teaching material and core readings. Some ability to appraise the evidence critically is shown, with a clear ability to communicate a well-reasoned argument within a logical structure. Material has depth and insight, and shows the student is clearly learning through mindful reflection; it demonstrates plainly an ability to describe internal experiences and processes, and to integrate these meaningfully and competently with the theory and rationale of the subject area. Gives coherent expression to both experiential and conceptual /theoretical knowledge. Understanding of theory is sound. -excellent -70% Shows sophisticated knowledge and very comprehensive and accurate coverage of the subject area, indicating that the student has gone beyond the core readings and explored the topic widely. Writes coherently with clarity of argument and expression, giving a very clear structure in which each stage is explicitly linked to each other and to the essay subject. Material has great depth and insight, showing advanced learning through mindful reflection, and excellent ability to describe internal experiences and processes, and to integrate these with conceptual and theoretical issues and their implications. Is able to critically appraise personal experience, and synthesize this with in-depth analysis of and reference to the literature.

Learning Outcomes

• Connect and synthesize the experiential and theoretical components of the module.

• Contextualise MBCs within the framework of the student's life and work.

• Demonstrate your understanding of the themes taught on mindfulness-based courses (MBCs) and the rationale for this approach.

• Explore, evaluate and analyse the origins, principles, theoretical and philosophical background to mindfulness practice.

• Reflect on the experience of a committed daily personal mindfulness practice and the learning arising through engaging in a mindfulness-based programme.