一門通識禪學課程對大學生的啟發與影響

The Inspirations and Effects of a Zen General Education Course on College Students

本文在「大學生命教育」的視野中，探討一門選修的通識禪學課程，其教學方式與教材如何設計才能與學生對話？經過一學期禪學課程的浸潤，對大學生的啟發與影響是什麼？本文以修習通識人文選修課程「禪的智慧與文化」之學生為研究參與者，採取質性研究法，透過期中與期末禪思書寫、期中與期末禪文學創作、期末一對一訪談逐字稿、教師觀察紀錄等文件資料進行內容分析。研究結果發現：一、禪學的現代詮釋，在通識課程中能幫助學生向外—擴大世界觀、培育同體包容之心；向內—啟發自覺與自省、培育面對情緒的智慧、體認生活之美；二、貼近生命成長的主題設計，結合古今禪文學的教材，能帶領學生將文本融入生活運用，啟發對精神自由、生死超越、生命本質的探索；三、多元的啟發式引導，能提升心之覺知，孕育生命的質變；四、禪思書寫的作業設計，能啟發內化與創造的學習歷程，以創作形式表達其體會的禪意。

This essay explores the effective strategies for designing teaching methods and materials in a Zen general education course to engage contemporary students. This essay also discusses the potential inspiration that students may derive from “college life education” and the effect that the course on “Zen Wisdom and Culture” can have on their development. The students enrolled in this elective general education course were considered as research participants. A qualitative research method was adopted to explore students’ thoughts on and (re)creation of Zen literature. The research methodology involved textual analysis, one-to-one teacher–student interviews, and teacher’s observation records. The research revealed several key findings. 1. Modern interpretations of Zen can benefit students in a general education class. Externally, Zen helps students broaden their worldviews and cultivate empathy. Internally, it inspires self-awareness and introspection, cultivates emotional wisdom, and deepens their understanding of the beauty of life. 2. Zen is closely related to the theme of growth. By employing both traditional and contemporary Zen literature, students can learn to apply the teachings in their daily life, enlighten and free their spirits, transcend the limitations of life and death, and explore the essence of life. 3. Exposing students to diverse sources of inspiration and guidance can enhance their cognitive abilities and cultivate qualitative changes in their lives. 4. The design of Zen writing assignments can stimulate the internalization of Zen principles during the learning process, encouraging students to express their understanding of Zen through creative means.