Wellness in the Classroom S23 Portfolio | Rakia Otoo
PUBH 150: Aging and Health
Reflection on Instructional Change
I was able to incorporate many practices in the classroom. The two that really made a difference was taking breaks and taking the time out to do mental check ins. Taking breaks during college classes is important because it can help students to recharge, refocus their attention, and improve their academic performance. It also helps to prevent physical fatigue and discomfort. Additionally, taking breaks can help to maintain mental health and reduce stress levels, which can ultimately enhance students' overall well-being. I saw that once I implemented taking breaks, students came back energized and alert.
Another I realized is asking how your students are doing is also important because it shows that you care about their well-being and are invested in their success. It can help to foster a sense of trust and rapport between the teacher and students, which can lead to a more positive and productive learning experience. Additionally, asking how your students are doing can provide valuable feedback on how well students are understanding the material and whether there are any issues that need to be addressed. I was able to really see what was going on with students and connect with them on a deeper level. I feel like it gave me a better understanding of what was truly going on with my students and how I could better assist them.
I was able to create a supportive and effective learning environment that promotes both academic success and student well-being. By taking breaks and asking how their students are doing, I was able to help create a sense of community and mutual support that can benefit everyone involved. Students were able to get to know one another and help one another during difficult times.
Students were excited to speak to one another and even would stop me during classes if we did not have a mental health check-in. I was also able to have some leniency when it came to attendance. I came to realize that I had students who went straight to work right after my evening course, others who loved in the Bay area, and others who were caregivers to family members. The class became a healing place for a lot of students and they became a lot more comfortable to be vulnerable with not only me but one another.
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Zoom for People Who Could Not Make It To Class (Students are allowed to participate in 3 Zoom sessions if they can't attend class) |
Health and Wellness note This is a stressful and unusual time for many of us. We are experiencing many challenges to our health and wellbeing. I encourage you to take care of your health and the health of the people around you. We are all experiencing significant stressors on our physical and mental health and wellbeing. If you are facing any challenges that affect your participation in this course, please contact me. I have included this in every syllabus so that students know that I take their health and wellness seriously. |
Students during a break at the Suicide Prevention/Awareness Event |
Moving Forward
I want to continue to give students breaks during class by incorporating short breaks into your lesson plans. These breaks can be used for stretching, moving around, or simply taking a quick mental break. By doing this, students can recharge, refocus their attention, and prevent physical fatigue and discomfort. I want to be understanding of students' circumstances, especially during these challenging times. This means being flexible and accommodating and providing support and resources to help students succeed. I want to offer Zoom class options because it can be beneficial for students who may be unable to attend in-person classes due to various reasons, such as distance, health concerns, or scheduling conflicts. By offering Zoom classes, I can provide students with the flexibility they need to balance their academic and personal responsibilities. I will continue to check in with students and talk to them about their mental health. It helps to create a safe and supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable sharing their struggles and seeking help when needed. I want to bring in more guest speakers. Guest speakers can provide valuable insights and perspectives on various topics, and can help to make classes more engaging and interesting. By bringing in more guest speakers, I can expose students to new ideas and experiences that can enhance their learning and personal growth.
Faculty Biography
My name is Rakia Otoo.I am a professor in the Department of Public Health at Sac State. I am from the Bronx, New York. I obtained my Bachelor’s in Public Health from Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA and my Masters in Public Health from La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA. I am currently working on my dissertation at University of Bridgeport for my Doctorate in Health Sciences. I have worked in healthcare for the past 7 years.
| 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. |