Enhancing Mental Well-Being of Lecturers: Impact on Teaching Creativity and Student Engagement

Enhancing Mental Well-Being of Lecturers: Impact on Teaching Creativity and Student Engagement

What is this Research About?

Managing stress and burnout presents a significant challenge for instructors of higher education institutions. Instructors face difficulties in preserving a high level of mental well-being, as they balance heavy workloads, increased job demands and a high volume of students with diverse needs. Instructors struggling with mental health challenges tend to exhibit disconnection to their students, leading to a lack meaningful interaction in the classroom. In this study, the researchers explore the relationship between the mental well-being of lecturers and the level of creativity in teaching, examining its impact on engagement with students, active learning and self-efficacy.  

What did the Researchers Do?

The researchers employed a narrative literature review that investigated the relationship between lecturer mental wellness and creativity within higher education. They conducted a literature search across major academic databases such as Google Scholar, JSTOR, and EBSCOhost with a focus on peer-reviewed articles published between 2019 and 2024, focusing on studies that explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included both empirical studies and theoretical frameworks that integrated interdisciplinary insights from psychology, pedagogy and organizational studies to provide a holistic overview of the topic.  

What did the Researchers Find?

The researchers found that enhancing the mental well-being of instructors in higher education institutions leads to higher levels of creativity in teaching. Lecturers who received mental health support, either through institutional access to services or information about helpful practices, demonstrated an effective implementation of active learning strategies in the classroom. The use of dynamic elements in lectures increased engagement with students and reduced cognitive overload for both lecturers and students. These findings demonstrate the importance of providing mental health support to lecturers, with a focus on improving their cognitive flexibility to implement innovative methods in the classroom.  

→  How to Implement this Research in Your Classroom

In the classroom, instructors can integrate mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing or short meditation sessions, to reduce stress and improve focus. These exercises help lecturers stay grounded and clear throughout the day. Additionally, incorporating interactive techniques like group discussions, live polls, and multimedia presentations can reduce the mental strain of traditional lecturing. These methods not only make lessons more engaging but also foster stronger relationships with students by encouraging active participation. Increased student interaction can help instructors better understand individual needs, easing classroom stress and enhancing student connection. Furthermore, lecturers should prioritize self-care by utilizing available mental health resources, ensuring they maintain their well-being while managing their teaching responsibilities. 

→  Citation

Ramabodu, S. M., Awodele, A. I., & Ntombela, B. (2025). Empowering Classroom Creativity: How Lecturer Mental Wellness Transforms Teaching Dynamics in Higher Education. Seybold Report, 19(12), 305. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14557295 

→  Keywords

  • Mental Wellness 

  • Lecturer Creativity  

  • Student Engagement  

  • Active Learning  

Creative Commons by logo This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Canada License

Snapshot Writer: Isabela Ramirez

Snapshot Publication Date: 2025

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