Support student well-being in your teaching

Below, find practical advice on how to support student development and well-being.

1. Safe and inclusive learning environment

A safe and inclusive learning environment ensures that all students feel part of the group and can learn optimally. You can achieve this by:

• Making agreements with students about collaboration with every new group
• Discussing the “four walls principle”, where everything shared remains confidential within the classroom
• Encouraging students to feel comfortable making mistakes in a safe group environment
• Getting to know students and their specific learning needs, such as those related to disabilities
• Making education accessible and inclusive using the Universal Design for Learning
• Promoting contact and interaction through group work or online discussion platforms
• Addressing well-being openly, for example, with a check-in at the beginning of the lesson.

2. Active and community-oriented didactics

Activate and community-oriented teaching methods enhance students’ motivation and sense of belonging. You can achieve this by:

• Using group work and methods like think-pair-share to promote connectedness among students
• Giving students autonomy by allowing them to tailor their approach to their learning needs, increasing ownership and motivation
• Integrating skills such as resilience and effective time management into the curriculum
• Encouraging a compassionate attitude through self-reflection, mindfulness, or focusing on strengths
• Reducing stress by strategically scheduling deadlines, for example, before the weekend.

3. Identifying and referring

As a teacher, you may be confided in by students with personal problems. By knowing, recognizing, and acknowledging (larger) issues related to student well-being, you help yourself maintain boundaries and the student get professional help. You can then signal and refer to the appropriate support services within the UvA, such as a study advisor or student psychologist within the university or a general practitioner.

4. Peer Review with Colleagues 

Teacher communities or peer review meetings with colleagues can be helpful in exploring how you can contribute to (student) well-being. Meeting regularly and actively reflecting on practice allows you to exchange experiences and knowledge and come to mutual agreements. You can also participate in the TLC Central Teacher Peer-Feedback sessions.

“Student well-being thrives in an environment that fosters safety, connection, and personal growth.”