Care, Connectedness, and Motivation: Key Components of Positive Student Outcomes

• In Event: 35.055 - Caring for Mind, Body, and Heart: Holistic Practices in the Classroom

Abstract

Moral and ethical decision-making are foundations by which individuals base a majority of important life decisions, so it seems intuitive that the skills required to think about the broad effects of all of our decisions be taught somewhere. In reality, not all children and are given the opportunity to learn these skills. Schools are in a position to teach and model caring behaviors that directly benefit students by teaching them to be caring individual, care and connectedness also benefit their success in school. This paper outlines the importance of care in schools, explains how to foster care and connectedness in the academic environment, and discusses a variety of positive student outcomes that result when a caring, connected environment is present.

Authors

• Tess Garceau, University of Northern Iowa

• Michelle L. Tichy, University of Northern Iowa

• Nicole Skaar, University of Northern Iowa