Oliver Presents on the Role of 'Mindfulness' in Reducing Stress in the Classroom

Peter Oliver

Peter Oliver, associate professor of education and human services, ENHP, and colleague Deborah McCarthy, an occupational therapist and founder of the Mindfulness Collaborative for Youth and Schools, co-presented a workshop at the October 2012 Forum on Improving Education Outcomes through Contemplative Practices.

The forum took place at Central Connecticut State University. Co-sponsors included the Hartford Consortium for Higher Education, Capital Community College, and Hartford Seminary.

Participants in the workshop were invited to take part in exercises that demonstrated the use and effects of mindfulness in schools. Given the ever-increasing demands to verify student success, classrooms are often experienced as stressful. Mindfulness is a powerful tool which reduces stress, while improving student attention and self-regulation.

Oliver has been teaching psychology courses to students in education and health sciences for 23 years. His research focuses on applying mindfulness-based stress reduction to strategies to help teachers, parents, and health care providers.

To discuss the contents of this presentation and Oliver’s scholarly work in general, email oliver@hartford.edu or call 860.768.5005.