The Impact of Open and Distance Learning Material on Mindfulness Practices of Primary School Teachers

Abstract

At present, in Sri Lanka, there are no programmes developed to train teachers in mindfulness through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) methods that can easily be distributed. The materials developed have been compiled into a short course titled “Mindfulness Practices for Primary Teachers” which will be offered to teachers. Before, offering the course to a larger audience, a pilot study was conducted. The objectives of this pilot study were; to produce learning materials (in module and AV format) using the OUSL resources, to deliver the course (Print, AV, on-line) by enrolling Sinhala and Tamil primary teachers in Western Province, to assess the impact and delivery of the material by using a variety of means during the course and after completing the course, and to make suggestions for further improvement of the material in line with the findings of the pilot study. Mixes of survey and action research designs were used. Two questionnaires for primary teachers and OUSL academics who are involved in conducting the course, a questionnaire for the two experts, their reflections, and a reflective journal for primary teachers were used as the primary data collection methods. Samples of 100 teachers, six OUSL academics, and the two experts/facilitators were selected to enroll and complete the pilot study of the programme. The data collected through the questionnaires was analysed quantitatively using percentages and content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data recorded in the reflective journals and collected through documents. It could be concluded that the short course on mindfulness practices had a positive impact on the primary teachers. They were able to change themselves, their students, and their teaching processes because of the short course. The training received by the OUSL academics from the experts leads them to re-think about their day-to-day practices. Further, the implementation of the course should be streamlined to facilitate the teachers self-practices.