Publication Date

2023

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic continues highlighting the need for relationship-rich education, even while presenting challenges related to mental health and isolation for students and faculty. Return to face-to-face instruction has signaled a “new normal” that might feel anything but normal. This discussion draws on James Lang’s principles of small teaching, the idea that faculty can make small, manageable changes to teaching that significantly improve student learning and avoid faculty burnout. Specifically, motivation and growth mindset are explored to offer practical tips for promoting mental well-being in the classroom.

Author Biography

Maria Bane, PhD, CCC-SLP is an Assistant Professor in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Eastern Kentucky University, where her duties include teaching at graduate and undergraduate levels, clinical instruction, and research. Her research interests are identifying active ingredients responsible for efficacy of behavioral interventions, evidence-based practice, and evidence-based education of future speech-language pathologists.

Maggie Freeman, Psy.D. is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Eastern Kentucky University. Her clinical interests include working with children and adolescents with a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges and developmental differences. Her research has focused on topics such as intervention planning, interprofessional leadership, and assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

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New Normal Feels Anything But: Practical Strategies for Mental Wellness in the Pandemic Classroom

The COVID-19 pandemic continues highlighting the need for relationship-rich education, even while presenting challenges related to mental health and isolation for students and faculty. Return to face-to-face instruction has signaled a “new normal” that might feel anything but normal. This discussion draws on James Lang’s principles of small teaching, the idea that faculty can make small, manageable changes to teaching that significantly improve student learning and avoid faculty burnout. Specifically, motivation and growth mindset are explored to offer practical tips for promoting mental well-being in the classroom.