What teachers can do to enhance students’ well-being: Discussion

Abstract

Background

This special issue sheds light on how students’ well-being can be enhanced through teaching practices, emphasizing the significance of well-being in the educational context. My discussion was rooted in extensive well-being literature, which allowed me to outline key findings about the importance, effects, and conceptualizations of well-being, and factors that may influence well-being.

Method

The issue comprises seven empirical studies, each exploring the relationship between teacher-related variables (e.g., emotions, growth mindset) or teaching-related variables (e.g., intercultural education, need-supportive teaching) and student well-being. It utilizes studies with methodologies ranging from large-scale assessments like the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) to detailed longitudinal designs across various educational levels and contexts.

Results

Findings underscore the pivotal role of teaching in influencing student well-being. That is, specific teacher behaviors and pedagogical approaches were identified that correlate with student well-being. Key aspects included intercultural education, need-supportive teaching, and positive teacher–student relationships. The methodological strengths of the included studies were their use of large datasets, longitudinal designs, and multi-informant data. Based on these findings, I presented some suggestions for possible methodological improvements.

Conclusion

This SI contained impressive articles that can be used as excellent models for research in this area. The findings can also expand our current knowledge by providing a multifaceted, multinational, and multi-informant understanding of the topic. Practical applications are suggested how teachers can support their students’ well-being and highlighted the importance of integrating well-being into educational discourse to provide a foundation for future investigations of teaching and learning processes.