EDUCATORS HAVE TRADITIONALLY focused their efforts in regards to learning on modification of the student’s environment, teaching materials and methods of delivery. This article will focus on the learner and suggests that meditation can improve the "internal learning" environment without changing the external learning environment, teaching materials or teaching techniques. Research shows that people with acquired learning skills are able to process information more effectively (thus, learn better) than those who don’t have these skills and/or tools for learning. 

Proponents of Transcendental Meditation believe that meditation integrates the activity of the mind, improving the cognitive and emotional characteristics that are essential toward learning. In one study by Richard J. Davidson at Harvard University, a direct correlation was found between experience at meditation and the increased ability to focus and maintain attention. 

In another study conducted by Martin S. Fiebert and Travis M. Mead at CSU Long Beach, a form of meditation known as Actualism was utilized. This form of meditation consists of techniques for increasing awareness and controlling and directing energy throughout the mind and body. The researchers found no difference in performance in the baseline phase. However, the findings in the experimental phase showed that the group which practiced these techniques performed better than the control group, which did not meditate.

A study performed at the University of Hawaii to determine the effect of meditation on academic performance was done in 1973 by Roy W. Collier, Ph.D. An increase of 0.17 in grade point average (GPA) in the first semester following instruction in Transcendental Meditation was noted. A further improvement of 0.11 was noted in the third semester following instruction in TM. These findings are significant in that at least 2 previous semesters were tracked for each participating student, in which there was no increase in their GPA. 

• integrated behavior

• increased productivity

• increased flexibility in adapting

• increased perceptual ability

• faster reactions

• increased energy and efficiency

• reduced tension

• decreased inhibition
  

Meditation improves the internal learning environment by improving physiological and psychological functioning, which results in improved academic performance. This in turn leads to greater confidence and increased motivation to learn.

For further research related to meditation and learning, visit the following sites:

Scientific Research on the Transcendental Meditation Program
Mudrashram Institute of Spiritual Studies

Kathleen Borsos-Wooley
Graduate Student
SDSU Educational Technology