Globally, meditation is rapidly emerging as one of the most effective methods for supporting youth mental health and character education. But can taking time to reflect and clear the mind actually improve a student’s grades and focus in the classroom?
According to a report published by JoongAng Ilbo / Newsis, the answer is a resounding yes. A recent study evaluating the effects of the Ma-eum Su-ryun mind subtraction meditation program revealed remarkable improvements in both character development and academic concentration among middle school students.
Here is a closer look at this exemplary educational case study.
π« A New Approach to the Free Semester System
To foster a more creative and self-directed learning environment, Daesan Middle School in South Chungcheong Province implemented a ‘Happy Meditation – Mind Subtraction’ class as part of its free semester system.
The program was organized by the Society of Human Completion Education and led by a professional meditation instructor holding secondary school teaching qualifications, along with a local center instructor. A total of 33 first-year students participated, attending 17 hours of classes held once a week.
π Measurable Growth in Character and Focus
To determine the true impact of the program, researchers used the Korean Educational Development Institute (KEDI) character assessment tool to evaluate the students before and after the classes.
The results were incredibly positive. Students showed improvement across all domains of character virtues, including:
- Self-respect
- Consideration and communication
- Social responsibility
- Self-regulation
- Honesty and courage
Most notably, the areas of social responsibility, honesty and courage, and class concentration showed statistically significant improvements.
π¬ Real Changes: Voices of Students and Parents
The statistics were backed by tangible, real-world changes reported by both the students and their families.
What the Students Said:
- “My relationships with friends improved.”
- “I became more patient.”
- “I can memorize things well, and I am now able to study alone at home.”
- “My mind feels lighter and refreshed.”
- “My attitude in class improved.”
What the Parents Observed: Parents happily reported that their children’s instances of annoyance, anger, and swearing decreased, while their overall concentration and patience noticeably increased at home.
π¬ The Science of Self-Reflection
Professor Yoon Mi-ra of the Department of Nursing at Chung-Ang University, who conducted the assessment, highlighted the immense value of this program for the educational field. She noted that applying mind subtraction meditation brings about simultaneous effects in both character education and academic achievement.
Why is this method so effective in such a short time?
Professor Yoon emphasized the cognitive therapeutic characteristics of the practice:
“Through a self-reflection process of looking back on their lives, students themselves realize their incorrect beliefs and discard their false minds, thereby eliminating the root causes. For effective character education, opportunities for students to reflect on their own beliefs and behaviors must be provided in the educational environment.”
Currently practiced in 42 countries worldwide, this systematic and scientific mind subtraction method is proving that true academic and personal success begins with a clear, peaceful mind.
π° About the Article
- Publication: JoongAng Ilbo / Newsis
- Article Title: Ma-eum Su-ryun Meditation Class, Effects on Improving Character Education and Academic Achievement
- Published: February 17, 2016
- Reporter: Yoo Hee-yeon
