Resilience in the Classroom: Wise Interventions to Enhance Creative and Reflective Learning

Authors

  • Fallon R Goodman George Mason University
  • Robyn Mehlenbeck George Mason University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13021/G8X602

Keywords:

resilience, well-being, wise intervention, strengths, experiential learning

Abstract

Wise interventions are short, targeted interventions that aim to alter a specific aspect of a personââ¬â¢s daily functioning in order to help them flourish. In the context of well-being scholarship, wise interventions can promote growth in knowledge and personal well-being, and data suggests that increases in resilience promote academic excellence. In this presentation, we discuss and demonstrate how instructors across academic disciplines and levels can deliver brief (30 minute) wise interventions to teach students the foundational concepts of resilience and in turn, help students build their personal reservoirs of resilience. We demonstrate an interactive framework for presenting these interventions: do, understanding, learn, and apply. In particular, we share modules that are already prepared and available for all faculty to access from the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being.à While a range of resilience topics will be provided, this presentation highlights two key data driven resilience topics: 1) affirming oneââ¬â¢s values and 2) exercising oneââ¬â¢s personal strengths. Other modules will be introduced so that faculty can pick what best meets their studentsââ¬â¢ needs, knowing that all modules have existing data suggesting effectiveness of these interventions.à We will also discuss ways that instructors can address potential challenges in delivering these interventions, including managing studentsââ¬â¢ uncomfortable or distressing emotions. In summary, this presentation will offer tools for instructors that engage creative and reflective learning, teach the latest science behind resilience, and ultimately build studentsââ¬â¢ capacity to be resilient in the face of adversity.

Author Biographies

Fallon R Goodman, George Mason University

Doctoral Research Fellow, Center for the Advancement of Well-Being

Clinical Doctorate Student, Department of Psychology

Robyn Mehlenbeck, George Mason University

Director, GMU Center for Psychological Services

Research Fellow, Center for the Advancement of Well-Being

Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Psychology

Published

2016-07-15

Issue

Section

1:00pm-1:40pm Mini-Workshops, Panels, & Roundtables