Yaleska Cortorreal

Division of Humanities and the Arts

ENGL 21003: Writing for the Sciences

Professor Debra Williams

November 13th, 2024

Generated by A.I

Introduction 

            Mindfulness is the practice of focusing one’s attention on the present moment in a non-judgmental, accepting way (Cordeiro 2021). There has been a growing interest in using educational techniques, such as mindfulness and relaxation practices, to help improve children’s cognitive abilities and academic performance (Cordeiro 2021). Since early childhood is a critical period for cognitive development, introducing interventions at this stage may have lasting effects on learning abilities and overall well-being. Cordeiro (2021) conducted a study to investigate how the benefits of mindfulness and relaxation training improved cognitive skills and literacy in third-grade students. Their study involved two 30-minute sessions each week over an eight-week period, during which children practiced mindfulness and relaxation exercises. The results showed improvements in children’s cognitive flexibility, memory, and attention—skills essential for academic success (Cordeiro 2021). These results are motivating but additional research must be done to examine the long-term effects of mindfulness and relaxation training on the development of cognition and literacy. Children’s reactions to these interventions may also be influenced by their unique traits. For example, mindfulness exercises may have a different effect on children with attention-related disorders like ADHD than on children without these disorders (CHADD). Knowing how specific details like these affect mindfulness’s success may make it easier to pinpoint the circumstances in which these interventions work best. To better address the requirements of all students, future research might build on the work of Cordeiro by investigating how mindfulness and relaxation practices might be modified for the benefit of different learners in the long run.

Background

The symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) typically appear in childhood and continue into adulthood, affecting many people throughout their lives (Zylowska, 2008). Children with ADHD may have trouble focusing, managing their impulses, staying organized, and finishing schoolwork, which can cause behavioral and learning issues (NemoursKidsHealth). This might limit their academic and social performance in educational settings by making it difficult for them to sit quietly, follow directions, and interact with their peers. Due to these difficulties, individuals with ADHD frequently need specialized assistance to thrive in the classroom (CHADD).

As mentioned, the study by Cordeiro (2021) looked at the effects of mindfulness and relaxation training on third-grade students, and the findings were positive in terms of cognitive flexibility, memory, and attention. Mindfulness is used in stress management, mental health, and educational settings; ADHD affects self-regulation and concentration and can be helpful to people with ADHD in developing better self-awareness, impulse control, and attention—all of which are essential for success in school (Zylowska, 2008). However, since children with ADHD may respond differently to mindfulness than typically developing students, future research should explore how to modify mindfulness therapies to address the specific challenges faced by children with ADHD. Additionally, studies should examine the long-term effects of mindfulness on mental health outcomes. Although this practice can help, it can also cause damage; research showed how 25% of meditators experienced unwanted feelings/effects (Jaret, P. 2020).

Methods

Cordeiro, C., Magalhães, S., Rocha, R., Mesquita, A., Olive, T., Castro São Luís, S., & Limpo, T. (2021). Promoting third graders’ executive functions and literacy: A pilot study examining the benefits of mindfulness vs. relaxation training. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 643794. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.643794

The authors of the 2021 study by Cordeiro investigated how mindfulness and relaxation training affected the literacy and cognitive abilities of third-grade kids. Academic success depends on executive functions like cognitive flexibility, working memory, and attention. The study aimed to determine how mindfulness and relaxation would improve these skills. Two groups of participants were formed; one group received mindfulness training, and the other group took part in a relaxation program intended to support overall wellbeing and stress reduction. The results showed that mindfulness training significantly improved student literacy and cognitive abilities more than relaxing methods did. Students who engaged in mindfulness practices shown gains in their capacity to modify their thought patterns, concentrate, and do better on reading assignments. While relaxing similarly improved self-regulation and concentration, it did not have the same positive effects on academic performance as the mindfulness group. These findings imply that mindfulness can be a useful strategy for promoting young children’s academic and cognitive development. This study contributes to an increasing amount of data indicating the promise of mindfulness-based interventions in learning environments, especially when it comes to developing skills that are key to success in the classroom.

Sutton, E. (2023, September 25). The history of mindfulness: from East to West and religion to science. PositivePsychology.com https://positivepsychology.com/history-of-mindfulness/#:~:text=References

Sutton gives a thorough introduction to mindfulness, tracing its roots to Buddhism and other ancient Eastern traditions. According to these traditions, awareness is a key component of meditation techniques and is necessary for enlightenment and spiritual development. Originally connected to religious and philosophical contexts, the idea of mindfulness centered on developing present-moment awareness. The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, created by Jon Kabat-Zinn, was a major factor in the 20th century’s evolution of mindfulness as a secular practice. This change facilitated the integration of Eastern spiritual practices with Western therapeutic and clinical uses, such as the treatment of chronic pain, stress, and anxiety. In addition to being a spiritual tool, mindfulness is known as a scientifically proven method of enhancing mental health and wellbeing. It has an impact on many areas, including business wellness, psychology, and education. The wide popularity and possible benefits of mindfulness practices across any background and situations can be seen by their wide popularity.

Nemours KidsHealth. (n.d.). ADHD and school. KidsHealth. Retrieved November 10, 2024, from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/adhd-school.html

            The difficulties children with ADHD frequently face in school environments are the subject of the KidsHealth article, which also provides advice on how to support their success. ADHD symptoms include impulsivity, trouble focusing, and organizational problems that can hinder a child’s learning and socialization with teachers and peers. These symptoms can cause social and cognitive difficulties, especially in structured settings where self-control and focus are necessary. According to the article, regular routines at home and at school are essential because they can give children with ADHD consistency and stability, which makes it easier for them to handle their assignments. In the article it mentions how it’s advised to use positive reinforcement, such as compliments and prizes for minor achievements, to inspire kids and boost their self-esteem. To guarantee that the child receives the appropriate accommodations, the article also emphasizes the significance of collaborating with educators and school personnel. The article also encourages for the parents to speak out for their child’s needs in the educational system and to keep lines of communication open with instructors, who are essential in putting learning-supporting tactics into practice. Children with ADHD can flourish academically and socially if parents and teachers create a supportive atmosphere at home and at school.

CHADD. (n.d.). From my classroom to yours: Supporting ADHD with mindfulness techniques. https://chadd.org/attention-article/from-my-classroom-to-yours-supporting-adhd-with-mindfulness-techniques/

The CHADD article also talks about the benefits of mindfulness techniques for students with ADHD in classroom settings. It explains the difficulties that adolescents with ADHD frequently encounter, including focusing, controlling emotions, and controlling impulsive behaviors, all of which can block social and academic interactions. According to the study, students can enhance their focus, lower their stress levels, and develop self-regulation by practicing mindfulness practices including deep breathing, guided meditation, and grounding exercises. Through increased awareness of their ideas and feelings, students can use these strategies to respond more wisely rather than impulsively. To support kids with ADHD, the article also recommends for teachers to incorporate mindfulness exercises into their regular classroom activities. Students can benefit from simple techniques like taking mindful breaks in between sessions or starting the day with a quick breathing practice to help them focus and recharge. Teachers who practice mindfulness not only give their students useful skills but also help create a more relaxed and concentrated learning atmosphere. 

Zylowska, L., Ackerman, D. L., Yang, M. H., Futrell, J. L., Horton, N. L., Hale, T. S., … & Smalley, S. L. (2008). Mindfulness meditation training in adults and adolescents with ADHD: A feasibility study. Journal of Attention Disorders, 11(6), 737-746. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054707308502

The study by Zylowska (2008) explains how well mindfulness meditation works as a symptom management technique for ADHD in adults and adolescents. To determine whether mindfulness practices could help people with ADHD by enhancing focus, decreasing impulsivity, and assisting with emotion management, the researchers carried out a feasibility study. The participants participated in an 8-week mindfulness training program that covered techniques such as body scans, awareness exercises, and focused breathing. The results showed that after finishing the mindfulness program, people control of attention, impulsiveness, and mood control all improved. Some participants also mentioned feeling less stressed, and both adults and adolescents said they felt more capable of controlling their ADHD symptoms. According to the study, mindfulness meditation can be a useful strategy for treating ADHD, providing non-pharmaceutical advantages for enhancing self-control and focus. To determine the long-term impacts of mindfulness on ADHD symptoms in broader groups, the authors do, however, also suggest more research.

Jaret, P. (2020, May 6). The times when mindfulness could be bad for you. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dont-forget-the-basil/202005/the-times-when-mindfulness-could-be-bad-for-you

In this article, the author Patricia Jaret discusses potential risks associated with mindfulness practices, particularly in certain individuals. Jaret points out that although mindfulness is well known for its advantages in lowering stress and enhancing mental health, it may not always be beneficial and in certain situations may even have the opposite impact. People who have gone through trauma, for example, could discover that mindfulness exercises bring up unpleasant memories or feelings, which increases their level of distress. In a similar way, those who suffer from anxiety or other mental illnesses may feel overloaded or incapable of handling the high level of awareness that mindfulness demands. The article also notes that mindfulness activities can occasionally backfire if done improperly or without supervision, increasing stress instead of reducing it. Jaret emphasizes that mindfulness is not a cure and that individuals should proceed carefully, especially if they are dealing with certain mental health issues.

Conclusion

Overall, mindfulness training has potential as a strategy for improving academic performance and cognitive abilities, especially in early childhood when brain development is most flexible. The potential of these techniques to improve third-grade children’ attention, memory, and flexibility is shown by Cordeiro’s (2021) study. However, individual differences may affect how well mindfulness programs work, particularly for kids with ADHD who have difficulties with self-control and focus. In addition to taking into thought the potential risks and long-term effects of these therapies, future research should concentrate on customizing mindfulness techniques to fit the needs of various learners. Teachers and researchers may optimize the advantages of mindfulness for more types of students by improving these strategies.

Reference page: 

Cordeiro, C., Magalhães, S., Rocha, R., Mesquita, A., Olive, T., Castro São Luís, S., & Limpo, T. (2021). Promoting third graders’ executive functions and literacy: A pilot study examining the benefits of mindfulness vs. relaxation training. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 643794. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.643794

Sutton, E. (2023, September 25). The history of mindfulness: from East to West and religion to science. PositivePsychology.com https://positivepsychology.com/history-of-mindfulness/#:~:text=References  

Nemours KidsHealth. (n.d.). ADHD and school. KidsHealth. Retrieved November 10, 2024, from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/adhd-school.html

CHADD. (n.d.). From my classroom to yours: Supporting ADHD with mindfulness techniques. CHADD. https://chadd.org/attention-article/from-my-classroom-to-yours-supporting-adhd-with-mindfulness-techniques/

Zylowska, L., Ackerman, D. L., Yang, M. H., Futrell, J. L., Horton, N. L., Hale, T. S., … & Smalley, S. L. (2008). Mindfulness meditation training in adults and adolescents with ADHD: A feasibility study. Journal of Attention Disorders, 11(6), 737746.   https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054707308502

Jaret, P. (2020, May 6). The times when mindfulness could be bad for you. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dont-forget-the-basil/202005/the-times-when-mindfulness-could-be-bad-for-you