Mindful Dealing with Emotions in Class

Podcasts as a Teaching Method in Higher Education – a Report

Abstract

The increasing complexity of our world confronts education systems with new challenges. Traditional learning settings with clear learning objectives are reaching their limits when it comes to preparing learners for a world characterized by existential uncertainty. This article argues that a mindful approach to emotions is a key competence for teachers in order to facilitate learning processes even in challenging situations. The process model of experiential communication (see Hofmann, 2017) is presented as a framework for successful communication in complex professional situations. Emotions are not seen as disruptive factors, but as a valuable resource. The ability to be emotionally productive, i.e. to consciously perceive emotions and use them constructively, is emphasized as crucial for coping with uncertainty and emotional stress in school contexts. The online platform “Adventuria®” is presented as an innovative tool that supports (prospective) teachers in further developing their emotional sensitivity. With the help of podcasts, reflection questions and community functions, the platform offers a space for individual reflection on one's own emotions. The aim of the project “Teaching Sensitively – Mindful Handling of Emotions in the Classroom” was to enable teachers to maintain emotional stability and clarity in order to create learning environments that are based on emotional sensitivity and thus enable learning processes even under difficult conditions. The theoretical background, results and limitations of the project are discussed.