Board Exam Anxiety: Amidst relentless challenges and mounting curriculum pressures, the role of schools and teachers in fostering the mental well-being of students stands as an unfailing hope. Thus, their role in uplifting and nurturing the mental health of the students is instrumental. However, with the rapid evolution and growing complexities in the education system, educators also require support in safeguarding the mental health and well-being of their students.
Aarul Malaviya, the founder of Zamit, emphasises that schools and teachers play pivotal roles in enhancing students’ mental health.
The mental health challenge is real. This has been on the rise among students, manifesting as anxiety, depression, and other stress-related disorders. As per findings from a ResearchGate report, approximately 63.5 per cent of students indicated experiencing stress attributed to academic pressures, with no notable variations observed across gender, age, or grade. In such a high-pressure environment, children face academic, social, and personal challenges that can take a toll on their mental well-being. Disturbingly, this pressure has, in certain instances, led to drastic measures, such as suicide, as highlighted in a report from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). As the primary guide to students, schools and teachers are the ideal sources to address this silent crisis.
Awareness is the first step towards change. To create a conducive environment for student’s mental well-being, parents and educators need to be informed and equipped with the right tools. Workshops on student mental health should be an integral part of their professional development. These workshops can provide insights into recognising the signs of mental health issues, effective communication strategies, and creating a supportive atmosphere at home and in the classroom. Such awareness empowers them to identify when students may need help and to offer the necessary support.
How EdTech can be a true support system for teachers and educators Beyond its role in academic enhancement, EdTech can significantly contribute to students’ mental health and well-being by:
Teachers often find themselves too engaged with administrative tasks, grading, and lesson planning, leaving them with little time and energy for meaningful interactions with students. EdTech can automate routine tasks, making the teaching profession more manageable. By streamlining these tasks, teachers can dedicate more time to engaging with their students on a personal level. This increased interaction can foster a harmonious and communicative teacher-student relationship, offering students the emotional support they need.
EdTech platforms are designed to cater to individual learning needs. Students can work at their own pace, access additional resources and receive personalised feedback. This not only reduces academic stress but also allows students to develop a sense of agency and control over their learning. When students feel in charge of their education, they are better equipped to manage stress and anxiety.
EdTech platforms can integrate mental health resources such as relaxation exercises, stress management techniques, and even access to counsellors or hotlines. By providing these resources to students, teachers can help the students manage their mental health effectively.
Interactive and gamified elements in EdTech enable educators to make learning fun and engaging. Students become more motivated and focused, leading to higher self-esteem and a more positive outlook.
EdTech platforms typically offer a collection of custom-made educational resources, lesson templates, and engaging content to meet the unique needs of students. Hence, it empowers teachers to develop impactful and tailored lesson plans.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) integrated EdTech can play a key role in creating personalised growth plans for students. By analysing data on student’s academic performance, engagement levels, and social interactions, AI algorithms can identify patterns and provide insights into individual students’ needs. This data-driven approach enables educators to develop tailored support, fostering not only academic success but also mental well-being.
Educators hold the key to improving the mental health of our students. By raising awareness through workshops, we can equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and address mental health issues. The integration of EdTech in schools not only eases the burden on teachers but also empowers students with the tools and resources they need to manage their stress effectively.
In the quest to improve student mental health, it is crucial to understand that the well-being of students is not solely the responsibility of schools and teachers but a shared endeavour. A harmonious relationship between educators, parents, and students is the foundation on which we can build a supportive environment where students can thrive, both academically and emotionally. Together, we can create a brighter future for our students, one where their mental health is given the priority it deserves.
