Contemplation Based Learning
Contemplation Based Learning
Contemplation Based Learning
*) Corresponding Author
Keywords: Contemplation-based Biology learning model; integration of serving science and self-knowledge;
integration science and religion.
How to Cite: Delfita, R., Trisoni, R., Andrizal, A., Putra, A., & Adripen, A. (2020). Contemplation-based
Learning: An Effective Learning Model for Serving Science and Self-knowledge Integration. Al-Ta lim Journal,
1(2). doi:https://doi.org/10.15548/jt.v27i1.586
creating knowledge or serving science. through learning in each subject matter is very
Barbezat & Bush, (2014) also acknowledged necessary psychologically, socially and
that their higher education deviated and globally. Self-knowledge is key to the
forgotten main role to create graduates who cultivation of a life of meaning and virtue. An
had good characters as well as creativity. The education that hopes to cultivate these
universities in Indonesia also forget it. It qualities must in the curriculum there is
shows that knowledge is separated from the serious attention to it. Self-knowledge can
goal of education, to form a good person, thus be considered to be a “curriculum” in its
having morality, good ethics, applying values own right. It unfolds within a pedagogical
and having a good relationship with each space in which meaning becomes personal
other. Simmer-Brown, (2009) interpreted that meaning within a social sphere and moral
universities separated rationality with action becomes a deliberate choice (Ergas,
emotional and spirituality of student. Lelwica 2017).
(2009) also stated that university only
develops thinking skills. Thus, the existence The practice of contemplation in
of this separation gave birth to graduates who learning is a very appropriate solution for
were academically clever but they were lack fostering moral development. The practice of
of moral aspects. So, it results “moral crisis”. contemplation has been shown to increase
ethical motivation and behave through various
In undergraduate program, Biology mechanisms. Walsh & Shapiro (2006) stated
becomes the most common subject in that the practice of contemplation has been
Indonesia. Students claim that their courses shown to increase sensitivity to the
teach that “everything is abaut biology” and consequences of unethical actions such as
ignores the values, norms, rules that exist in guilt towards self and pain experienced by
their religion and culture. Colby, Ehrlich, & others, reduce motivation for wrongdoing
Sullivan, (2011)mentioned that in business such as anger and greed, and fostering moral.
undergraduated programs in USA, students In students, it is known that the practice of
claim that their course only teach about contemplation enhanced ethics in making
business and ignore religious values and decisions (Ruedy & Schweitzer, 2010) and
norms of society. While in Islamic university developed morality (Shapiro et al., 2015). By
in Indonesia are trying to integrate religious promoting curiosity and fostering students'
values in each subject matters, although it is curiosity about experience during
only limited to foster religious theory, not to contemplation, they will train to focus and
the level of practice in the form of learning improve their self-control skills in an effort to
models (Delfita and Andrizal, 2016). Some explore the environment or become objects of
expert argued that these are symptoms of contemplation in new and creative ways. Hart
contemporary times in which economic (2004) stated that when information is
thinking has been taking over education processed in depth, it is more reflective; then,
(Kandiko and Camille, 2010; Gilead, 2012), information will be easily integrated with one
transforming Universities into marketplace another and will be maintained for a long
players (Kleinman, Feinstein, & Downey, time. Practicing contemplation and promoting
2013), and trying them with economic success learners' curiosity about their experiences
in ways. These systemic and external during contemplation will help them to learn
contemporary conditions have something to more effectively and reflectively. Barbezat
do with this moral crisis. However, the and Pingree, (2012) stated that the practice of
bifurcation between “serving science” or contemplation in classroom learning
“knowledge” and “self-knowledge” is not developed critical thinking skills, focus and
novelty of contemporary times. It was the concentration, insight, compassion,
heart of what may be a central aspect of this connection, creativity, self-regulation, moral
moral crisis (Ergas, 2017). Therefore, and ethical understanding and mental
fostering the moral development of students development. The practice of contemplation
in the classroom. The implementation of the integrate science and religion in order to
model is carried out in the General Biology respond the vision of islamic universities in
class B, 2017-2018 academic years and three indonesia. So, the process of design a
times courses. This stage obtained data on the contemplation-based learning model based on
activities of lecturers and student. The good practical education and reality.
evaluation phase is the assessment phase of
the model that has been implemented in the Construction of Model
class using summative evaluation which aims
to find out the practicality of contemplation- The contemplation-based learning
based biology learning models. This model model was constructed by specific program.
assessment was carried out by filling out They were contemplation characteristic,
questionnaires by three observers (biology Islamic values based on Al Asma’ Al Husna,
lecturers). The score of expert judgment and subject matter as object of contemplation, has
observation on implementation contemplation five components of the learning model
based learning model is calculate with (syntax, principle of reaction, the effects of
descriptive statistic (mean and standard intructional and nuturant effect, and
deviation). supporting system), integrated “knowledge”
and “ self” and integrated science and
RESULT AND DISCUSSION religion. The contemplation characteristics
were connected directly with the object of
contemplation through concentration
Developing a contemplation-based
meditation and have full awareness through
learning model reflected in some aspects:
mindfulness meditation (Zajonc, 2009; Center
process of design, construction of model, and
for Contemplative Mind in Society, 2016).
feasibility based on validity and practicality.
This result showed that product met the
characteristic contemplation. These
Process of Design
characteristics are found in the fourth stage of
the learning syntax.
At process of design, a contemplation-
based learning model develop based on good Islamic values based on Al Asma’ Al
practical education and reality. The related Husna contained in the material are used as
condition was identified as analysis stage, the first stage of the learning model to
such as the problems in biology curriculum facilitate the stages of contemplation. The
and characteristic of students. Developing a Islamic values are compassion (Ar-Rahman
contemplation based biology learning model wa Ar-Rahim), nurturing (As-Salam, Al-
is also constructed based on educational Hafizh, Al Muqit), the value of justice (Al-
design research or/and developmental ‘Adl, Al-Muqsith), thoroughness (Al-Lathif),
research (Richey, Klein, & Nelson, 2002). self reflection (Al-Hasib, Al-Muhshi),
This result showed that product met the commitment (Al-Barr), beneficiaries (An-
fundamental aspect of the study. This product Nafi’) and others. These value was chosen
also met another qualification that was one of them to be instilled in the stage of
designed through identification process. The cultivating value and contemplation (Table 1).
product was designed through cyclical Cultivating good values purposed to bring
process in activities of design, assesment and mental attitude to do kindness (Zajonc, 2009).
revision. So, it is the logical consistency and Salleh, (2009) stated that directly
comformity between expectation and reality incorporating Islamic values and making
(Nieveen, 2007). Formative evaluation emotions of students touched will form a self-
(Tessmer, 1993) was done at once and knowledge skill that can finally realize that
reflected in systematic documentation. A value in life. If the values are cultivated,
contemplation-based learning model not only students will take care of each other, take care
done to integrate “serving scienece” and
“self-knowledge” but also done in order to
of nature, have empathy and so on, so that the intructional and nuturant effect, and
moral crisis can be dammed. supporting system (Joyce and Weill, 1992).
This result showed that the product met
The component learning model are qualification as a learning model can be seen
syntax, principle of reaction, the effects of at Figure 1.
In the preliminary stage, students pay attention to the learning given, related
faced the phenomenon of irregularities in it to their previous knowledge and ask
the lives of students with the order of questions (Schunk, 2012).
creation by Allah SWT (depending on
material) to motivate and explore their The core phase begins with explained
initial knowledge. Cook & Ausubel, the nature of the human being based on al
(1970) stated that educators must find Quran and then connecting human nature
ways to connect new learning material with the learning subject matter and the
with the knowledge of previous students values that contain it.The lecturer
and prepare their students to receive new explained the subject matter and values
information. Comparing contradictory contained in it based on Al Asma’ Al
things is seen as a solution to attract and Husna (the first stage). At this stage,
motivate students (Ambrose & Lovett, students gain exposure to the subject
2014; Schneider, Nebel, Beege, & Rey, matter and values contained in it.
2018). If students are motivated, they will
The second syntax of this learning is students' confidence and ability to convey
cultivating value. This stage aims to ideas and opinions (Liu & Lin, 2012).
evaluate themselves (self-reflection) and After they get a sense of comfort, followed
instill values to foster self-regulation so by the phase of practice of contemplation
that they can change their bad qualities which consists of concentration and
both at home and on campus. Hayward and mindfulness meditation.
Colman, (2010) state that values and
principles arecultivated in someone when The fourth syntax is contemplation
they can be interconnect the realities of practice. The object of contemplation in
nature and their full benefits. Salleh, the form of essay or figure of General
(2009) states that directly incorporating Biology material that has been designed in
Islamic values and making emotions of accordance with the indicators of learning.
students touched will form a self- In concentration meditation students are
knowledge skill that can finally realize that asked to read essays or pay attention to the
value in life. If the values are cultivated, figure in 3-5 minutes detail in a relaxed
then students will take care of each other; state and without thinking about anything.
take care of nature, empathy and so on, so If their attention is disturbed, repeat
that the moral crisis can be dammed. Self- reading the essay or paying attention to the
regulation greatly helps students to figure. When this concentration meditation
maintain self-efficacy for learning, takes place, the lecturer directs students to
learning values, beliefs to achieve goals turn their attention to their inner lives
and maintain emotional stability (Schunk, (harmonizing their thoughts and feelings)
2012). This phase also aims to create a by presenting and feeling the presence of
positive learning environment that makes it Allah SWT through the subject matter that
easier for students to enter the next stage of they contemplate. This will describe the
learning, which facilitates the emergence harmony of thoughts and feelings. Students
of humility and the practice of are asked to maintain the conditions of
contemplation. Humility and full surrender harmony of their thoughts and feelings as
to the Creator are the foundation of the long as possible (mindfullness meditation)
moral foundation for entering the stage of and allow whatever arises as long as they
meditation (Zajonc, 2009). harmonize their thoughts and feelings. At
the time of concentration meditation, the
The third syntax of this learning processing of course material information
model is the creation of inner calm. At this occurs in depth and is more reflective so
stage students re-relax their bodies by that the information is easily connected to
presenting violated values and their one another and will enter into long-term
consequences (according to the material memory (Kapur et al., 1994). The values
and values previously invested). The contained in the subject matterl will enter
violated value is written and implanted that and touch the emotions of students (Salleh,
the violated value is wrong. For example, 2009).
in material structure and function of
animals, when paying attention to figures At biologically, meditation changed
of animal anatomical structures, students of parts of the brain responsible for
feel the love of Allah SWT through its processing emotions, and has a powerful
design and structure is very fitting and effect on the amygdala, the brain's trigger
amazing according to its function. This for fear, stress, and anger (Lazar, 2013).
will make students realize that Allah is the Holzel et al., (2011) reported that increases
Most Nurturing, so that humility is formed in gray matter concentration within the left
and gives birth to inner peace. This sense hippocampus, increased in the posterior
of comfort and inner calm can developed cingulated cortex, the temporo-parietal
junction, and the cerebellum. The results such as building concentration and
suggest that it is associated with changes in attention (Jha, Krompinger, & Baime,
gray matter concentration in brain regions 2007), which will have an impact on
involve in learning and memory processes, cognitive (Zeidan et al., 2010; Campagne,
emotion regulation, self-referential 2013; Tang et al., 2014). Song and
processing, and perspective taking. Lazar, Muschert, (2014) state that the thought
(2013) also reported that the temporal- process will be deep and holistic. The
parietal junction involved empathy and practice of contemplation builds the ability
love and thickening of the brain stem area of students to manage emotions (Davidson
(pons), the place of production of the et al., 2012; Zajonc, 2013), reduces
neorotransmitter regulator. In the anxiety (Campagne, 2013) fosters self-
amygdala, an important place of defense knowledge (Barbezat and Pingree, 2012)
for regulating anxiety, fear and stress increases self regulation (Tang et al.,
becomes reduction in thickening (Lazar, 2014), fostering compassion, and
2013; Desbordes et al., 2012). Research increasing spirituality (Davidson et al.,
showed that meditation carried out for 2012; Zajonc, 2013). Khayankij, (2017)
eight weeks can evoke a brain response. reports that contemplation can develop
The connectivity between the prefrontal student awareness. The practice of
cortex, hippocampus and amygdala shows contemplation is very practical in
a neuronal mechanism of action about how overcoming the problem of contemporary
this meditation training induces emotional education and is a simple method (Hart,
and behavioral changes (Holzel et al., 2004). The students not only have
2011; Gotink et al., 2016). Studies using “knowledge” or “service science”, but also
neuroimaging techniques have shown that have self-knowledge.Self-knowledge” is
meditation increases activation and key to the cultivation of a life of meaning
connectivity in areas of the brain related to and virtue. It unfolds within a pedagogical
self-regulation (Tang, Posner, and space in which meaning becomes personal
Rothbart, 2014). This is very possible meaning within a social sphere and moral
because the key characteristic of the action becomes a deliberate choice (Ergas,
practice of contemplation is that they 2017). In other words, this contemplation-
represent a form of mental training that can based biology learning model can
cause changes in plasticity in the brain eliminate the gap in “serving science” and
(Lutz, et al., 2008). The heart of the “knowledge of self”. So, that the goal of
practice is repetition and practice to education is to create a well human being
cultivate more positive habits of mind. and “moral crisis” is overcome.
When positive thoughts are trained, the
part of the brain responsible for self The practice of contemplation
regulation will be active (Beauregard, applied in this learning model has the
Lévesque, & Bourgouin, 2001). same characteristics as the practice of
contemplation that has been applied in
Barbezat & Bush, 2014) stated that Buddhist schools and universities in
the practice of contemplation forms an America and Europe. The difference in
independent thinker person, develops the practice of contemplation in this
problem solving skills, provides learning model is the object of
opportunities for students to connect contemplation in the form of subject
directly with the material and values and matter in the General Biology course and
interpret the values that exist in the the values that are cultivated derived from
material so that it will be easier for them to the value of Al Asma’ Al-Husna. The
apply it to their daily lives. The practice of technique is to read essays and pay
contemplation build students' life skills attention to picture related to subject
and Nieveen, (1999), a model is said to be prospective teachers are feasible based on
practical if it can be used easily and the aspect of validity and practicality. This
practically by users. model will stop the bifurcation “serving
science” and “self-knowledge” and is a
Table 3. The Practicality Score of Contemplation-
based Learning Models.
model to integrate science and religionat
Islamic Education. However, effects of
No Aspects of assessment Average implementation of contemplation-based
1 Sintax learning model on the student learning
Preliminary activities 3.44 ± 0.08 outcomes, spiritual and socio-emotional
Core activities 3.49 ± 0.07
Closing activities 3.56 ± 0.1
has not been studied.
Average 3.50 ± 0.02
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