Reclaiming Presence and Productivity in the Classroom
“How are we feeling today?” my teacher would begin. “Let’s do a quick check-in.” This familiar ritual involved students holding up a number of fingers to indicate our emotional state – one being the worst, five being the best. Sometimes we would follow up with verbal explanations, detailing the circumstances and feelings behind our chosen ratings.
As a student, I dreaded these moments. How could a low number, shared at the start of class, avoid coloring my entire mindset for the rest of the period? Instead of focusing on the subject matter, I found myself fixated on my own internal state, often turning to the negative. What had previously been a productive learning environment now felt saturated with emotional self-analysis.
Sadly, this practice of “checking in” has become increasingly common in classrooms across the country. Educators, eager to prioritize student well-being, have incorporated various emotional assessment techniques – from “bones” and “no bones” days to mood-based color schemes. While the intentions behind these methods may be admirable, the unintended consequences deserve closer examination.
The Pitfalls of Constant Self-Evaluation
Proponents of emotional check-ins argue that cultivating self-awareness is essential for healthy development. After all, being in touch with one’s feelings is crucial for navigating relationships and the world at large. However, the issue lies in the frequency and framing of these check-ins.
By constantly prompting students to analyze and quantify their emotions, we may be inadvertently teaching them that their feelings are worthy of constant attention and evaluation. But the reality is that sometimes, feelings should be ignored or set aside in service of more important goals – like learning and mastering the material at hand.
Abigail Shreir, in her book “Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren’t Growing Up,” recounts a conference where educators enthusiastically shared their various emotional check-in techniques. One teacher even borrowed the “bones” and “no bones” verbiage from a viral TikTok video, encouraging students to determine the “mood” of their day right from the start.
The problem with this approach is that it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. If a student declares it a “no bones” day, they may unconsciously internalize that label and allow it to shape their entire experience. Suddenly, the focus shifts from learning to managing one’s emotions – a task that may be better suited for a therapist’s office than a classroom.
Refocusing on the Subject Matter
Let me be clear: I’m not suggesting that emotions should be ignored or suppressed entirely. Emotional awareness and regulation are essential skills that can and should be cultivated. However, the classroom may not be the optimal environment for constant emotional self-examination.
As students, our time and energy would be better spent focusing on the subject matter at hand. Rather than dwelling on how we feel, we should channel our efforts into mastering the course content, engaging with the material, and developing a deeper understanding of the concepts. After all, a lack of self-focus is often what allows students to thrive academically.
Imagine a student who enters the classroom consumed by anxieties about their emotional state. They may struggle to concentrate, unable to fully immerse themselves in the lesson. Now, consider a student who arrives with a clear, focused mindset, ready to learn and apply their knowledge. The difference in productivity and engagement is palpable.
Striking a Healthy Balance
Of course, there is a time and place for emotional awareness and self-reflection. Counseling sessions, one-on-one check-ins with teachers, and designated wellness activities can provide valuable opportunities for students to explore and process their feelings in a constructive manner.
But in the context of the classroom, the emphasis should remain on the subject matter, not the individual’s internal state. By minimizing the frequency and prominence of emotional check-ins, we can create an environment that is conducive to learning, where students feel empowered to push past their personal challenges and focus on academic growth.
This is not to say that teachers should completely ignore their students’ well-being. Maintaining open communication, offering support, and creating a compassionate classroom culture are all important. But the balance must shift towards prioritizing intellectual engagement and mastery over constant self-analysis.
Reclaiming the Classroom
As we navigate the evolving landscape of education, it’s crucial that we carefully examine the practices and assumptions that have become entrenched in our systems. The rise of emotional check-ins is just one example of a well-intentioned approach that may be causing more harm than good.
By reclaiming the classroom as a space for learning, exploration, and intellectual growth, we can empower students to thrive academically and develop the critical thinking skills necessary for success in the real world. It’s time to move beyond the temptation of constant self-evaluation and refocus our efforts on the true purpose of education: equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and resilience to navigate the complexities of life.
The Intellectual Takeout article “A Case Against Checking In” eloquently captures the concerns surrounding the overemphasis on emotional check-ins in the classroom. As an expert curator at Café Mila, I believe this discussion is highly relevant to our mission of fostering a well-rounded, mindful, and intellectually stimulating environment.
In the face of these challenges, Café Mila stands as a beacon of balance, where the pursuit of knowledge, personal growth, and community engagement coexist in harmony. By curating seasonal menus, hosting wellness workshops, and facilitating cultural exchanges, we aim to create a space that nurtures the whole person – mind, body, and spirit.
Through our commitment to sustainable practices, artisanal coffee and tea offerings, and family-friendly programming, we invite our patrons to step away from the distractions of constant self-evaluation and immerse themselves in the joy of learning, creating, and connecting. It is in this spirit of intellectual curiosity and holistic well-being that Café Mila continues to thrive as a hub of inspiration and community.
