As university professors, we strive to create learning environments that are intellectually stimulating, yet we cannot overlook the emotional and mental wellbeing of our students. Teaching in higher education, I have realized that the context in which students learn plays a crucial role in their success. To address this, I have integrated a practice into my courses: periodically replacing traditional quizzes with "wellbeing quizzes." Here's how this practice works and the impact it's had on my teaching and my students. – Todd Spencer, Assistant Professor, Social & Behavioral Sciences

The Practice: Wellbeing Quizzes

Typically, weekly quizzes focus on assessing students' understanding of course content. However, I set aside a few of these to prioritize students' mental and emotional health. These quizzes consist of reflective, open-ended questions such as:

• “What’s been your biggest challenge this week?”
• “What’s one thing you’re proud of accomplishing recently?”
• “On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your stress level?”
• “Is there something you wish your professors better understood about your current experience?”
• “What’s something outside of class that you value or are looking forward to?”

Responses are not graded for accuracy or depth but are treated confidentially. The aim is to create a safe space where students feel heard and supported. I emphasize that students can share as much or little as they like.

Why This Matters

Students today face increasing pressures—academically, socially, and personally. Between demanding workloads and external stressors, it is easy for their mental health to take a back seat. By acknowledging this, I aim to convey that their wellbeing is a priority, not only for their personal growth but also for their academic success.

From a pedagogical standpoint, this practice aligns with holistic teaching principles, recognizing that students are not just learners but individuals with complex lives. Research shows that when students feel valued and supported, they are more engaged and motivated.

Impact and Insights

Over the years, the insights I’ve gained from these quizzes have been invaluable. They have highlighted patterns I might not have otherwise noticed. For instance:

1. Early Intervention: I've identified students who were struggling before their performance declined. By connecting them with campus resources or offering extensions, I’ve seen noticeable improvements in their engagement.
2. Building Community: Many students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reflect and share. Some mentioned that knowing a professor cared made them feel less isolated.
3. Informed Teaching: Understanding stress points such as midterm weeks or personal challenges has allowed me to adjust deadlines or adapt classroom discussions to address these realities.

How You Can Implement This

Integrating wellbeing quizzes into your teaching can be simple:

• Choose Timing Thoughtfully: Midterms, finals, or the first few weeks of a semester are ideal moments to implement these quizzes.
• Craft Thoughtful Prompts: Focus on open-ended questions that invite self-expression without judgment.
• Follow Up: While respecting privacy, act on trends or individual concerns where possible. A quick email or a classroom adjustment can make a significant difference.