Helping Students Grow without Growing Their Stress

Amid nationwide calls for increasing mental health services for students, researchers recommend increasing teacher training to support student mental well-being in the classroom. In his book Improving Learning and Mental Health in the College Classroom, coauthored with Steven V. Hunsaker and Bonnie Moon, Professor Rob Eaton offers practical tips for teachers to design courses and teach students in ways that reduce unnecessary stress while boosting learning for all students. These techniques allow teachers–without adding to their workloads or duplicating campus services—to better support the unique needs of each student and maintain the academic rigor of the course. Professor Eaton explains that such small, deliberate changes to our course design can enhance the learning environment, increase student retention, and strengthen participation for all students. In taking such actions, we move forward measures to destigmatize mental health challenges, provide students with an environment to thrive, and enhance our abilities to teach in the Savior’s way.

Publications:

• Improving Learning and Mental Health in the College Classroom (West Virginia University Press, 2023)
• “What Happens When Students Have More Chances to Master Concepts” (Inspiring Minds Newsletter, Harvard University, 2024)
• “Improving Learning and Mental Health in the College Classroom” (Teaching in Higher Ed Podcast, Episode 422, 2022)
• “Improving Learning and Mental Health” (Tea for Teaching Podcast, Episode 275, 2023)
• “A Look at Improving Learning and Mental Health in the College Classroom” (Social Learning Amplified Podcast, Episode 13, 2023)
• I Will Lead You Along: The Life of Henry B. Eyring (Deseret Book, 2013)
• Extremes: How to Keep Your Virtues from Becoming Vices (Deseret Book, 2008)
• “The Case for Student Participation” (Religious Educator, 9.2, 2008)

Click here to learn more about Rob Eaton