The Joy of Embodied Learning

Authors

Leslie Bayers, University of the PacificFollow

Files

Document Type

Contribution to Book

Book Title

Joy-Centered Pedagogy in Higher Education

Editor(s)

Eileen Kogl Camfield

Description

The science of embodied cognition has established that thinking involves dynamic exchanges between the body and the brain and webs of interaction between humans and their environments. While learning draws on these connected ecosystems, persistent notions of the brain as separate from and hierarchically managing the body—an enduring legacy of Cartesian dualism—perpetuate static teaching and learning mindsets. Disregard for the body’s role in learning fuels disengagement, isolation, and inequity. This chapter weaves key findings from embodied learning research together with scenes from the author’s own academic journey to illustrate how leveraging brain–body connections can foster educational well-being. The author shares accessible approaches to and reflection around re-centering the body in teaching and learning, in any discipline or modality, to spark community, curiosity, and joy.

Buy Link

https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003532224

Find in WorldCat

https://search.worldcat.org/title/1496773044

ISBN

9781003532224

Publication Date

2-10-2025

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

First Page

125

Last Page

141

Disciplines

Education

Comments

Creative Commons, CC BY-NC

Recommended Citation

Bayers, Leslie, "The Joy of Embodied Learning" (2025). Academic Affairs Faculty and Staff Books and Book Chapters. 22.
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/provost-facbooks/22