The Impact of Addressing Psychological Needs on Student Well-being and Academic Performance

Abigail C. Benedick
Prof. Holly Kincaid, Faculty Mentor

Many schools today use traditional compliance based education models that are centered around set curriculum over the psychological needs of students. Academic performance and student well-being are significantly enhanced by addressing students psychological needs through things like time outdoors and mindfulness. With that being said, there are lots of barriers in school systems that prevent psychological learning. This includes teacher education, general school schedules implemented in schools, and school policy surrounding curriculum and discipline. Students spending time outside has proven to improve student wellbeing along with academic performance. Teachers need additional professional development opportunities to learn about  the psychological needs of students and the importance of psychological education for their students. Integrating time outdoors for students and mindfulness into students daily routine enhances the learning environment for students. In order for improvement of student success schools must acknowledge and remove barriers that prevent teachers from regularly implementing these tools.

Keywords: Academic Success, Well-being, Psychological Needs, Mindfulness

Topic(s):Education
Psychology
Disability Studies

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA