Episode 96: Helping Students Grow without Growing Their Stress (Rob Eaton)

Episode 96: Helping Students Grow without Growing Their Stress (Rob Eaton)

Author: BYU Religious Education January 15, 2024 Duration: 48:17

Amid nationwide calls for increasing mental health services for students, researchers recommend increasing teacher training to support student mental well-being in the classroom. In his book Improving Learning and Mental Health in the College Classroom, coauthored with Steven V. Hunsaker and Bonnie Moon, Professor Rob Eaton offers practical tips for teachers to design courses and teach students in ways that reduce unnecessary stress while boosting learning for all students. These techniques allow teachers–without adding to their workloads or duplicating campus services—to better support the unique needs of each student and maintain the academic rigor of the course. Professor Eaton explains that such small, deliberate changes to our course design can enhance the learning environment, increase student retention, and strengthen participation for all students. In taking such actions, we move forward measures to destigmatize mental health challenges, provide students with an environment to thrive, and enhance our abilities to teach in the Savior's way.

 

Publications:

 

Click here to learn more about Rob Eaton


Behind the academic papers and detailed studies produced by the faculty at Brigham Young University, there are personal journeys of faith and intellectual curiosity. Y Religion, from BYU Religious Education, opens a window into that process. Each episode sits down with the professor behind the research, moving beyond the published conclusions to explore the human questions that sparked the inquiry. Conversations delve into why a particular historical detail, scriptural insight, or theological concept demanded a closer look, and what it means for both scholarly understanding and personal belief. This isn't about dry lectures; it's about the intersection of rigorous scholarship and lived discipleship within the context of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The podcast serves as a unique bridge, making specialized academic work accessible and relevant to anyone pondering deeper spiritual truths. You'll hear scholars articulate the challenges and rewards of their dual commitment to the mind and the heart, offering listeners a richer appreciation for the ongoing dialogue between faith and learning. Tune in for thoughtful discussions that illuminate how dedicated study can deepen, rather than distance, one's spiritual journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Y Religion
Podcast Episodes
Episode 8: Actively Engaging Learners (Tyler Griffin & Anthony Sweat) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:23
What do we want learners to know, feel, and do with each lesson? In this episode professors Tyler Griffin and Anthony Sweat discuss strategies for incorporating active learning—ways to boost learning, motivation, and cri…
Episode 7: Asking Good Questions (Jan Martin & Jared Halverson) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:54
How can teachers transform their classrooms into collaborative learning spaces? In this episode professors Jan Martin and Jared Halverson discuss the power of guiding discussions with open-ended, scripture-anchored quest…
Episode 4: Teaching by the Spirit (Hank Smith & Ryan Sharp) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:44
How does the Holy Ghost assist in our preparation and delivery of lessons? In this episode professors Hank Smith and Ryan Sharp demystify what it means to teach by the Spirit. They discuss ways to invite the Spirit to gu…
Episode 3: Organizing a Lesson (Mark L. Pace and Ken Alford) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:07
The Lord has invited, "Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the king…
Episode 2: Knowing Your Audience (Emily Belle Freeman & Brad Wilcox) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:15
How do you prepare and adjust a message to connect with those you are leading? What methods can teachers—from all backgrounds and experiences—use when preparing for different teaching moments? In this episode, sister Emi…
Episode 1: The Power of Teaching (Clark Gilbert & Chad Webb) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:46
What makes powerful gospel teaching? What are the effective elements that any teacher— no matter their training, situation, or personality—can implement so that deepened faith and conversion can happen in the lives of le…