Practices that support student well-being in remote (or in-person) settings

This resource supports: Positive Classroom Culture. Read more about positive classroom culture>

Benefits

To provide students with care and support for their well-being and success in learning. 

Context

These activities were embedded in a synchronous Faculty of Applied Sciences class on Zoom and asynchronously on Canvas. These can be easily adapted to other teaching platforms, such as asynchronous or in-person teaching. 

Overview

There are a variety of ways to embed well-being in online or remote environments.

1. Introduce resources to enhance time management skills 

• Provide students with a daily schedule spreadsheet and introduce tools for time management, such as the Pomodoro app

 2. Create due date flexibility for assignments to reduce stress 

• Add a "grace period" for Canvas assignments and communicate to students the purpose of the “grace period” 

3. Create opportunities for social connection and a sense of belonging

• Allot 10 minutes per lecture for student-led discussions, inviting students to connect and exchange notes using the Zoom public chat box. 
• Set up breakout rooms to encourage student collaboration 
• Create a “collaborate” document on Canvas and invite students to share anything they would like about themselves such as hobbies or interests. 

4. Contribute to a positive classroom culture

• Conduct a survey at the beginning of the semester to find out from each student about anticipated challenges related to remote learning and use results to enhance the learning environment. 
• Let students know you are available to offer support or advice when needed.