Stress Reduction in the Adult Basic Education Classroom

Adult educators have increasingly been aware that the chronic stress adults bring to the classroom affects regular attendance and sustained focus, both of which affect progress. Teachers recognize the value of their classrooms as safe venues for adults to practice healthy coping skills and to develop supports, but they are not always comfortable knowing how to respond to the emotional needs of students. While teachers are not therapists, they can be educated in approaches that promote emotional and psychological well-being, and incorporate strategies into the classroom that help students to learn more efficiently.