Developing Mindfulness for Learning of Primary School Students: A Case Study of Ban Chumnak School, Kamphaeng Phet Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were 1) to study the learning problems; 2) to develop mindfulness for learning; and 3) to present the development of mindfulness for learning of primary school students at Ban Chumnak School. This was a qualitative research by studying documents and field research by interviewing 3 groups of key informants, 35 people, group discussions with 7 experts, and testing with 10 primary school students in Prathom Suksa 6 students. The research area was Ban Chumnak School, Sai Thong Watthana District. The research results found that 1) in the current condition, students had learning problems, namely reading and writing problems, lack of concentration in learning, lack of respect, lack of manners, addiction to games, irresponsibility, and lack of learning equipment, 2) guidelines for developing mindfulness for learning of Prathom Suksa 4-5 students were conducted by paying respect to the Buddha,  chanting, meditating, meditating with eyes closed, observing the breath in and out, having conversations and asking questions, and 3) developing mindfulness for learning of primary school students at Ban Chumnak School consisted of 3.1) chanting, paying to the Buddha, meditating, discussing Dhamma and asking questions, 3.2) performing the 10 routines regularly, waking up and making the bed immediately, dressing appropriately, observing the 5 precepts, saving money, helping with housework and schoolwork, reading books and doing homework, finding the good points of others, developing meditation, chanting before going to bed and paying respect to parents, teachers and adults, 3.3) having good friends, good activities, good communication, good equipment, good principles and a good atmosphere. In addition, practicing mindfulness continuously led to good learning, wisdom and the ability to understand things according to reality. Therefore, it led to happiness in both body and mind, with the characteristics of 4 D: a good body, a good mind, a good mood and good wisdom.