Workshop Topic Detail
Evidence Based Practices for Reducing Student Anxiety in the Classroom
Since the pandemic, students’ stress levels have risen dramatically. Given that chronic stress can negatively affect students’ ability to learn and be successful in the classroom, it benefits faculty to learn how to recognize student stress and respond by teaching with compassion. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn evidence-based strategies from the fields of educational psychology and neuroscience that provide practical tools for communication, rapport building, social interactions, self-regulation, and academic support.
By the end of this workshop, participants know or will be able to:
- Recognize the effects of anxiety on students’ academic and interpersonal behavior.
- Identify compassionate andragogical strategies to foster communication and rapport.
- Identify academic strategies that reduce student anxiety and enhance learning.
Plans for Audience Participation and Interaction:
This workshop involves personal reflection, small and large group discussions, and classroom planning.
Facilitator(s)
Silke Morin is a Professor of Biology at Austin Community College (ACC), where she also serves as the Assistant Department Chair of Student Counseling, Advising, and Complaints and works on many faculty development projects focused on building community in the classroom and engaging compassionately with students. Silke is a licensed professional counselor. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wellesley College, a master’s degree in neuroscience from the University of Texas at Austin, and a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Lamar University.