Wellness in the Classroom S23 Portfolio | Mercedes Valadez

 

CRJ 101: Introduction to Research Methods in Criminal Justice

 

Reflection on Instructional Change

 

• One of the practices from the Wellness in the Classroom FLC that I implemented focused on student self-care and well-being. Students don't always dedicated time to do something for themselves that will help reduce stress and focus on well being. I created an extra credit assignment that provided students with an opportunity to engage in self care. I created a module with information about the importance of self care and it's connection to student success. Student well-being and success are closely tied. As students head into the last few weeks of the semester, it is important to consider one's health and well-being. For this extra credit opportunity, students are asked to select and complete (for at least 15 minutes) one of the following activities- reading for fun, meditation, journaling, going on a walk, etc.- or any others that help promote their well-being and reduce their stress. Next, students will submit a short entry that answers a few questions.  Step 1- Complete activity of your choosing focused on well being and  Step 2- answer the following questions: 1. What activity did you choose? 2. Why did you select this activity? 3. What immediate impact did it have on your well-being?   

• Implementing this practice impacted my teaching in a couple ways. It allowed me to better understand my students and their needs. It gave me an opportunity to learn more about ways I can support them. Students responded very well to the assignment. Several of them thanked me for creating it and informed me that they plan to start taking more time for themselves. 

• After assessing my interaction with the FLC activities, I found that the learning activities that most influenced changes made in my courses/instruction, were focused on implementation resources. I like to refer back to the resources provided by the facilitators. I save them into a separate folder so that I can always go back and refresh my memory. I like to share some of the resources, when applicable with my students and peers. 

 

Course Modules_ CRJ101 Intro Crim Just Rsch Meth - SECTION 01.pdf Download Course Modules_ CRJ101 Intro Crim Just Rsch Meth - SECTION 01.pdf

Topic_ Extra credit.pdf Download Topic_ Extra credit.pdf

Anonymous student feedback-  A student’s well-being and success are definitely important when heading into these last few weeks of the semester. For this activity, I chose to ride my bicycle around my neighborhood. The immediate impacts of biking made me feel a sense of liberty and calmness. While cruising, I noticed many beautiful and peaceful things around me. Birds singing, leaves falling, and the winds gently flurrying. Nothing but tranquility in the community. I realized that taking some time off to settle down and rest is vital for ourselves. I believe you created this extra credit opportunity not just for us to improve a bit on our grades, but to relieve our stress during this hectic time. I greatly appreciate your care and encourage other faculty members to create similar assignments. This promotes and acknowledges that they care for their students’ physical, emotional and mental health – and of course their success! Thank you!

Moving Forward

I plan to continue using the tools and information I learned in this FLC. I will refer back to the worksheets at the start of each semester and check back in periodically to remind myself to continue practicing the wellness in the classroom to create a supportive learning environment. The tools and information provided will continue to support my teaching. I plan to implement some of the wellness strategies that I did not have time to add to my courses this semester. 

Faculty Biography

	Dr. Mercedes Valadez is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Criminal Justice at California State University, Sacramento. S Her research focuses on immigration issues, inequality, and race, ethnicity, and justice.

This work was supported by the CSU Office of the Chancellor, Sacramento State Division of Academic Affairs, and Sacramento State Student Health and Counseling Services.