Benefits of the 4 Keys

Research from educational and social psychology suggests that there are a number of benefits to students when instructors adopt practices that align with the four keys.

Feeling social connection positively influences student motivation and persistence (Allen et al., 2008; Walton et al., 2012). Getting to know our students helps them feel valued and invested in their learning (Cooper et al., 2017). There are benefits for students, instructors and institutions when we proactively create learning environments where students want to connect, meet during office hours, and actively engage in learning activities (Bowden et.al.,2021). Additionally, practices that increase social connection often create opportunities to support the other three keys to well-being.

Students with higher stress and lower coping skills tend to have lower academic performance (Frazier et al., 2019; Johnson et al., 2015). By acknowledging our students’ lives outside the classroom, lab, or rotation, we create opportunities to support positive coping and reduce stress. Moreover, being compassionate contributes to student motivation and helps students feel comfortable seeking assistance (Gurung & Galardi, 2021; Young-Jones et al., 2021).

When students have a growth mindset—the belief that intelligence is not a fixed trait, but one that can be improved—they respond better to challenges and failures and have higher academic performance (Burnette et al., 2013; Dweck, 2006). Equally important, when students perceive that their instructors believe they can improve, students feel a greater sense of belonging, are more engaged, and perform better (Canning et al. 2019; Muenks et al., 2020).

Expressing gratitude increases positive emotion and well-being (Lyubomirsky, 2007; Emmons & McCullough, 2003), which are related to better academic performance (Keyes et al., 2012). In addition, connecting course material to one’s purpose and values benefits interest, motivation, and engagement (Harackiewicz & Priniski, 2018).

For an interesting discussion on the value of small actions by faculty and staff check out this summary website or the full report