I had the pleasure of attending a session on the Science of Meaning with Dr. Todd Kashan from the Well-Being Lab at George Mason University. According to his research, the three primary drivers of meaning in life are: (1) coherence, (2) significance, and (3) purpose. How can you use this in your teaching?
You can go big like UMPI’s Dr. Mark Royer who worked with his undergraduate students to help them develop an app that helps researchers monitor and analyze data on tree growth and health in our forests. This opportunity provided coherence for his learners in that their work in the classroom was connected to a real practical application in a context that they live in and is important to them. It provided significance because the students were not just created a theoretical app or prototype for a classroom assignment. They created an app that real people will use and will actually impact the health of our forests. And it provided purpose by allowing learners to work toward a personally meaningful goal.
What are some small ways you can cultivate meaning in your own life and the lives of your learners? Consider coherence, significance, and purpose. We would love to hear your ideas!