Enhancing Student Engagement by Practicing Self-Care: Integrating, Empowering, and ConnectingRuth Ouzts Moore, Ph.D.Nina Ida Marie Spadaro, Ed.D.

Mental Health Counseling Programs School of Counseling

Learning Objectives

• Explain how anxiety, anger, and depression can interfere with an educator’s sense of self-efficacy and student engagement.

• Explain the role of self-care in enhancing student engagement and the benefits of incorporating self-care strategies to their physical, emotional and mental well being.

• Describe how educators can enhance self-efficacy and develop meaningful connections with students through parallel process.

• Explain how yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates can be used to foster self-care.

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Self-Care and Engagement: Activity

• Write a list of at least three challenges for you in the online environment

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Self-Care and Engagement: Activity Part 2

• Now that you have focused upon the challenges, ask yourself “What does this email note from a student mean?

“Instructor - Did you grade my paper?”

• Anais Nin said, “We don’t see the world as it is, but as we see it.”

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Student Engagement and Retention

• Distance learners students are more likely to be satisfied with their learning experiences and to continue to be involved in distance learning than are students who experience a lack of instructor presence.

• Distance education programs need to be in “continual communication with their students and should assure the students that their needs are taken care of despite the distance element.”

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Student Engagement and Retention

• Many first-time distance learners in the on-line environment have higher anxiety levels and are less emotionally engaged than other students.

• Instructors should pay attention to students’ needs to increase emotional engagement.

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Student Engagement and Retention

• Building on students’ strengths• Encourage them to believe that effort will

improve results• Proactive support from institution• These factors have a major impact on student

retention.

Role of On-Line Educators

• Get to know students• Understand their needs and aspirations• Motivate them to participate in academic and

professional opportunities• Acknowledge and be empathic to the

challenges in students’ lives.

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What is Self-Care?

• Purposeful activities geared toward integrating and improving physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being to optimize resilience and effective engagement with others.

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Wellness and Self-Care among Educators

• Occupational strain has been associated with lower productivity and decreased interactions with students.

• A wellness perspective shifts the focus from reacting to current concerns to prevention of future difficulties.

• Can respond to student challenges without being overwhelmed.

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Wellness and Self-Care among Educators

• Many land-based universities have wellness centers to encourage wellness and self-care among faculty.

• What about on-line educators?

Self-Care leads to better Engagement

• Self-care develops and maintains– Optimism– Self-efficacy– Ability to listen– Ability to convey empathy

• These are necessary factors to stay well-engaged with students and colleagues.

• By practicing proper self-care we are more likely to effectively engage with students but also serve as role models.

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Three Strategies of Self-Care • Yoga increases optimism

• Pilates empowers

• Tai Chi develops listening ability

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Stressed Walden Instructor

Before Yoga After Yoga

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Yoga - Holistic Self-Care

• “Yokes” mind and body• Relieves anxiety• Lightens depression• Reduces anger and tension• These emotions can affect self-efficacy and ability to

engage with others.

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Yoga Activity: Chair twist to relieve frustration and tension

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Yoga Activity: Forward bend to relieve anxiety

Yoga Activity: Back bend to increase optimism

Pilates – Empowerment from the Core

• Strengthens core muscles• Improves posture• Literally empowering• Increased sense of self-efficacy

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Activity: Pilates Spine Stretch

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http://youtu.be/unHl4uNZRmI

Activity: Pilates Saw

http://youtu.be/y6HH60sfk4Y

Tai Chi – Meditation in Motion

• Tai Chi – Relaxing, balanced, centering quieting and efficient movement

• Tai Chi and physical health• Tai Chi and mental health• Tai Chi and sense of connection to others

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Activity: Tai Chi Mini-Form: Follow Along

Follow along with Nina as she leads you through a “mini” tai chi form.

http://youtu.be/DwEhRZHQdiY

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Tai Chi Activity: ‘Sticking Hands’ with a partner or with Nina in the video

• First watch what ‘sticking hands’ looks like when done with a partner.

http://youtu.be/eZzxdcMTu4Q

• Next try ‘sticking hands’ with someone, or do so virtually with Nina in this next video

http://youtu.be/BZA82ee2aPo

Comments?

• Which of these Yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi techniques do you feel are most useful for you?

• In what ways?

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