Laura Rendon

Cultivating Different Ways of Knowing

Laura Rendon, Professor at the University of Texas, San Antonio presents her work on contemplative education and issues of social justice and diversity. She asks, “what does contemplative engagement mean for students who have been oppressed…marginalized, who are invalidated?” In this presentation, she suggests that educators can best serve students of diverse racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds not only by incorporating content that honors different cultures and traditions, but by doing so in a way that affords students personal expression. Calling for a more holistic education, Rendon states, “problem solving and critical thinking count but so does developing a sense of purpose in life, becoming social activists and caring, compassionate humanitarians.” At the Garrison Institute’s symposium, The Art and Science of Contemplative Teaching and Learning, November 2012.