Student Well-Being Amid (and Beyond) COVID-19 Pandemic
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt higher education institutions, it is important that educators prioritize the social, emotional, and mental health needs of their students. In a recent blog post, we discussed three major concerns that students face during the pivot to online learning: basic needs security, psychosocial development, and mental well-being. Unfortunately, we fear that these critical areas may be pushed to the back burner as institutions navigate competing demands.
We have curated three research-backed strategies to help educators support their students' social, emotional, and mental health needs.
Strategy #1: Create Continuity
As schools continue to navigate distance and blended learning opportunities, it is important to consider strategies that can create continuity for students. One approach is to transfer familiar routines and relationships from the campus to the virtual setting.
To ensure engagement and communication remain effective, high-impact educational practices are recommended. For instance, schools can consider hosting virtual social gatherings and re-creating in-person class structures like check-ins, common greetings, and opportunities to share lessons learned. Additionally, grouping students in breakout groups while using virtual conference rooms can help students connect with their peers. Setting up time for students to interact apart from academic learning and implementing virtual mentorship programs can also help create a sense of continuity and community.
Indeed, research has shown that educational factors like grouping and learning environments have a high impact on developing students’ growth mindset, self-efficacy, social awareness, and self-management skills. Therefore, it is important for schools to consider these high-impact educational practices in creating continuity for students during distance and blended learning opportunities.
Strategy #2: Model and Apply Metacognition
As we navigate the challenges of transitioning to virtual classrooms and remote learning, it is crucial that we find ways to help our students evaluate and reflect on their thinking. This can provide a unique opportunity to model and apply metacognition in our virtual classes, ensuring that our students are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in both their academic and personal lives.
One way of doing this is by modeling intrapersonal development using rubrics such as Weber State University’s Intrapersonal Development Rubric. By demonstrating how to express personal philosophies of life, articulate beliefs and values, and solicit feedback from others, we can help our students develop a deeper sense of self-awareness and an understanding of their own cognitive processes.
Beyond modeling intrapersonal development, we can also incorporate opportunities for student self-reflection. This can take the form of reflective writing exercises, group discussions, or self-assessments, all of which encourage students to think critically about their own learning and identify areas for improvement. Moreover, using student response as prompts for scaffolding during future lessons or one-on-one conversations with students can help personalize the learning experience and ensure that students are meeting their own goals.
In conclusion, encouraging our students to evaluate and reflect on their thinking is
A study on inter- and intrapersonal skill development shows how one engages with thought may matter more than how one engages with others.
Strategy #3: Enhance Psychosocial Development via Social-Emotional Learning
One effective strategy to promote student academic achievement and success is to work closely with community organizations and experts to empower and support learners. This approach recognizes that students need deliberate and intentional discussions about their social, emotional, and mental well-being to reach their fullest potential in and out of the classroom.
To achieve this objective, educators must collaborate with community organizations and experts who have a better understanding of the specific needs of the learners. These professionals can provide tools, resources, and expertise to support students and equip them with the skills they need to navigate the academic environment. Additionally, these experts can also train educators on how to address the social and emotional needs of students more effectively.
Conversations about student well-being should be inclusive and focus on promoting positive socio-emotional development. While social-emotional learning (SEL) is linked to psychosocial development, these areas have differences in their approaches to student well-being. Educators must understand these distinctions to help identify and address the rise in student needs effectively.
To ensure that learners receive the support they need, it's critical that we listen to their ideas and needs. By engaging with learners in these discussions, we can identify the challenges they face and provide tailored solutions. Provide a platform for students to express themselves freely.
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT
Psychosocial development is an essential component of students' overall development that sits under the umbrella of student development. Psychosocial development refers to the psychological and social processes that students experience as they grow and develop. It encompasses how students perceive, feel, and interact with the world, as well as how they form and maintain relationships, cope with stress, and develop a sense of self-identity.
Institutional practices that support SEL can effectively meet the psychosocial aspects of students' educational experiences. For instance, schools can provide students with opportunities for self-reflection, social problem-solving, and relationship-building. Such opportunities can be achieved through activities that enhance self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship skills, which are the core competencies of SEL.
Moreover, incorporating SEL into institutional practices can foster a more conducive learning environment that values the social and emotional well-being of its students. When schools prioritize SEL, students can learn to manage their emotions and behavior, develop positive relationships, and make responsible decisions, ultimately promoting their psychosocial development.
According to studies conducted by Dr. Sherell Wilson, the Founder of Beyond College Access, students from underrepresented backgrounds face unique challenges in their psychosocial development. These challenges affect their ability to connect with their college professors and peers and ultimately impact their overall engagement in college. Unfortunately, many of these students consider quitting their college experience altogether if they feel their specific psychosocial needs will go unmet.
While the pandemic worsened the situation, the issue of psychosocial development among underrepresented students existed long before the pandemic hit. As a result, educators must take the necessary steps to address this issue. Both psychosocial development and social-emotional learning are essential factors that contribute to overall student wellbeing and development. By implementing practices that address these issues, educators can significantly impact the mental health and wellbeing of their students.
To begin, educators can consider providing a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages students to form meaningful connections with their peers and professors. By fostering such connections, students develop a sense of belonging and community, which can positively impact their mental wellbeing. Educators should also work towards creating an environment that promotes positive self-image and self-worth, especially among students from underrepresented backgrounds.
High-impact educational practices can transform the educational experience by incorporating various strategies that support students' social, emotional, and academic growth. One such practice is co-hosting virtual meetings focused on social, emotional, and mental health. These meetings can help create a safe space to discuss topics such as stress, anxiety, and coping mechanisms, as well as provide support and resources for students in need.
Another impactful practice is exploring and understanding student needs through open-ended questioning about academic and support services, as well as their home environment. These discussions can help educators identify how to best support their students academically, emotionally, and socially. Additionally, partnering with community organizations and experts can help bridge the gap in services and resources that students from underrepresented groups often face.
Helping students identify their strengths and weaknesses is also a valuable practice. Encouraging students to focus on their strengths while developing confidence and setting goals can help them thrive academically and in life. Providing exposure to various career choices through reading, guest speakers, and experiential learning opportunities can also help students explore their options and make informed decisions about their futures.
As someone who cares about student success and wants to ensure that every student has the tools they need to thrive, you know that understanding students' enrollment continuation needs is crucial. But you may be wondering how to gather that information effectively and put it to use in your institution.
That's where Dr. Sherell Wilson's professional learning guide and workbook comes in. This high-quality resource is full of practical solutions and engaging activities that will help you better understand your students' needs and enable success for a diverse student population.
With this book, you'll gain insights from students themselves, who share their own experiences and perspectives. Dr. Wilson's expertise and experience in the field of higher education also shine through, providing you with valuable guidance as you work to improve your institution's approach to student success.
Whether you're a teacher, counselor, administrator, or student affairs professional, this book is an essential resource for anyone who wants to create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment. You can use it as a standalone resource or as part of a larger training framework for your team.
So why wait? Order your copy of Dr. Sherell Wilson's professional learning guide and workbook now.