Program
Education K-12 M.A.
Number of Pages
62
Year Approved
2022
First Advisor
Silmser, Lisa
Second Reader
Nathan Elliot;
Abstract
This paper aims to analyze the importance of providing students with a positive classroom environment that supports adolescent mental health. Middle school can be a time when students feel lonely, isolated, and oftentimes, it can be physiologically confusing as the body is transforming to becoming an adult. The Covid-19 pandemic exemplified the negative characteristics of normal adolescence. Research suggests that schools that incorporate belonging, relationship building, resilience training, community, and conflict resolution into the classroom can translate to academic success. Social-emotional learning programs can build community and improve adolescent mental health by promoting well-being. Addressing mental health through these types of preventative programs can help decrease long-term mental health issues and substance abuse. Students who have participated in SEL programs have shown growth in both mental health and academic achievement.
Degree Name
Education K-12 M.A.
Document Type
Masterʼs thesis
Recommended Citation
Swanson, J. A. (2022). The Importance of Building Positive Classroom Community for Adolescents After the Relational Disconnect from the Covid-19 Pandemic [Masterʼs thesis, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/886