Establishing Foundations for Person-Centered Learning and Inclusive Community-Building: Group Case Study #1

Abstract

This chapter presents the first learning module of the Know Your Self curriculum, which establishes foundations for participation in person-centered learning and inclusive community-building. Students begin their self-inquiry projects exploring a subject they share in common: academic stress. As this chapter will show, their exploration of this issue catalyzes important learning, helping students develop skills in mindfulness, reflective self-inquiry, and behavioral self-regulation. Exploring academic stress also creates opportunities for students to meet each other as vulnerable human beings. Collaborative investigation of their stress reactivity reveals important similarities, despite their significant sociocultural differences. These similarities and vulnerabilities become a foundation for building an inclusive, person-centered community.