Mindset

What Mindsets Help in a Crisis?

While, as good instructors, we should always adopt a pro-student mindset, there are some key ways of thinking that we should be particularly mindful of as we adapt to disruptive conditions.

• Self-Care & Prioritization

  In this disruptive moment, you cannot help others if you aren't first in a healthy place.

  Your personal and familial needs may need attention, and it is important to take care of these if the events causing this semester's disruptions have impacted you directly.

  Further, the asks now put upon you to quickly adjust your courses and be flexible with students for the remainder of the semester can be taxing.

  Some of the following may help you find your balance in this moment:

  • Schedule and hold yourself to keeping short breaks. Do something you enjoy during these moments.
  • Practice mindfulness. Research shows even short, daily practice can decrease stress and other negative emotional states. Find short, free guided meditations on Youtube, or download a mindfulness app.
  • Connect with others. Finding and intentionally spending time with other colleagues (and, after work, with family/friends) can increase your sense of support and keep you from feeling alone at this time.
  • Create a space for focus. Guide yourself through this Thinking Routine (replace "learning" with "focus") as a way to ease yourself into a segment of work time where you must tackle important decisions and revisions.
• Perspective-Taking

  It is helpful - and builds your empathy (below) - to take a moment to put yourself in others' shoes. In particular, consider your students' perspective during this disrupted moment.

  As you do so, recognize that:

  • Students are likely enrolled in multiple classes. This can multiply their confusion and stress, particularly if they encounter some instructors who are not communicating.
  • Some or all students may be experiencing new, significant life challenges. Understanding this can help you better see the need for course adaptations and flexibility from this point forward. It may also help you see that learning may not be their first priority.
• Empathy

  An empathetic approach to your students is vital in this moment. Communicating that (as we'll explore elsewhere in this Toolkit) helps students feel respected and cared for in this moment.

  With an empathetic mindset, you can let students know that their learning success is your priority - but that you recognize how difficult their focus on your class and its expectations must be right now.

  There is research to indicate that students who feel cared for by the instructor appreciate these classes more and have greater motivation. We need this to weather a disrupted semester!

  Meyers, S. A. (2009). Do your students care whether you care about them? College Teaching, 57(4), 205-210.
• Trust

  We need to trust our students in this disrupted moment. And yes, that means being willing to "have one pulled over on you."

  The majority of students are going to be honest about their needs and challenges. We owe it to this majority to simply trust all students - even the very few that may try to take advantage of that trust.

  Trust in this instance can look like:

  • Believing a student, without requiring evidence, when they report a disruption in their lives that requires a deadline extension.
  • Reaching out to a student who may have gone down a path of obvious academic dishonesty. Rather than hostility and punitiveness, approach the situation with inquiry and a belief that the student either unintentionally followed this path or did so due to stress or a low sense of efficicacy. While you may still need to follow some reporting requirements, see this also as a teaching moment and continue with your tone of support and empathy. While not disregarding reporting and re-education of the student, consider strongly offering second chances in this chaotic time.
• Flexibility

  A disrupted semester means flexiblity is now a must. Understanding that we must adapt our course content, and be flexible with due dates and options for revised student work is essential.

  Tips for how to integrate this flexibility are integrated elsewhere in this Toolkit.

• Stoicism

  While not always easy, one of the best ways to "stay calm and carry on" is to accept what is now the reality of the situation, instead of wishing things were different and letting that upset you.

  This mental frame of acceptance can keep us from ruminating and help us take whatever next step needs to be taken...one step at a time.

  Select tips on stoic practices from Forbes:

  • Focus On What You Can Control
    Focus on what is within their control and let go of what is not. By directing your attention to actionable steps and decisions, you can reduce stress caused by worrying about external factors.
  • Accept Reality
    Embrace the concept of Amor Fati, which translates to "love of fate." Stoicism encourages individuals to accept the present circumstances and events as they are, fostering a sense of peace and resilience in the face of adversity.
  • Practice Self-Reflection
    Engaging in self-reflection allows individuals to understand their motivations, fears and reactions better. By examining their perceptions and seeking feedback from trusted sources, individuals can gain clarity and reduce anxiety levels.
  • Practice Mindfulness and Live In The Present Moment
    Stoicism emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and being mindful of current experiences rather than dwelling on past regrets or future uncertainties.
  • Practice Gratitude
    Expressing gratitude for the good things in your life can shift focus away from stressors and anxieties, promoting a positive outlook and emotional well-being.