Midsemester Slump? Time for a Refresh
From what we’re hearing, students are in the midst of a “midsemester crunch,” meaning many of them have been busy with midterm exams and projects. This period of increased work in the middle of the term can deplete many students’ resources. It’s common for them to experience a midsemester slump in the weeks that follow, so we’ll share some ways to help them (and ourselves) refresh. We can all benefit from breaks, physical activity, and a change of scenery, and getting some outdoor exercise can even help students learn.
Our students often experience studying as a lonesome and sedentary activity—they may spend hours poring over their notes or highlighting a textbook—but this approach to studying is about as effective as it is enjoyable (not very). Humans are social mammals who learn best in community and need frequent opportunities to talk through our thinking and consider new angles.
Simply shifting to a different context can give students a new perspective. Spending more time in nature promotes physical health and has many cognitive benefits, including increased attention, lower stress levels, and enhanced cooperation. Getting out of the classroom, dorm, or library to talk about their learning with classmates helps students to consolidate their learning, get feedback from peers, and reflect on the progress they’ve made this semester.
There’s a considerable body of research on movement and cognition. Exercise increases levels of neurochemicals like dopamine and serotonin that not only help to regulate mood, but also boost concentration. In addition, being more active can increase the volume of the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, areas of the brain associated with memory, executive functioning, and higher-order thinking.
As long as we are mindful of accessibility concerns and remain flexible, we can nudge students away from their desks and out into the world with assignments that ask them to do things like contribute to a citizen science project, produce a nature-inspired creative writing piece, or make observations about walkability on and around campus.
Students with mobility impairments can also benefit from physical activities that work for them, from changing their environment, and from connecting with friends and classmates to talk about concepts. Explaining the most important ideas from a class to a friend who’s majoring in something else is such a great exercise for all learners that it could be a regular homework assignment.
So consider spending some time outside, and encourage your students to take a walk, ride, or roll with a classmate or friend to talk about what they’re learning. Here are a few student-facing resources you can share:
If you’d like additional resources, support developing assignments that get students outside, or any other support for your teaching, please contact us at pro-teaching@fsu.edu. We look forward to working with you!
Upcoming Events:
Getting Started Teaching with AI Faculty Panel
Thursday, October 16th | 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Innovation Hub Pitch Room (112), Shores Building | Please sign up here.
Are you curious about using AI in your teaching but unsure where to begin? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the flood of information about AI in higher education and looking for a beginner-friendly way to get started, this event is for you. Join us for a faculty panel discussion featuring FSU colleagues who have recently begun integrating AI into their teaching. They’ll share how they got started, what their experiences have been so far, and how AI is enhancing their instructional practices. You’ll get some new ideas and have multiple opportunities to ask questions, so we hope you can join us!