Student Gratitude: Why It Matters / ITech content

Contents:

• How is gratitude related to engagement and goal setting?
• Can daily expression of gratitude influence learning?
• When expression of gratitude does work?

Collecting feedback from students has become a common practice, but what if you offer them more than just an opinion on the course they took, and share your gratitude? It may seem immodest, but this approach can have a positive impact on the students themselves. Expressing gratitude helps reinforce positive learning experiences and develops critical thinking skills. Students, recognizing the value of their learning and expressing appreciation, can gain a deeper understanding of what they have gained in the process. This method not only improves the atmosphere at the university but also promotes closer connections between faculty and students.

Since 2010, Virginia Tech in the United States has implemented a practice that allows students to express gratitude to their professors and advisors at the end of the semester. This is not mandatory, but simply a reminder of the opportunity to leave positive feedback. Students can use a special form on the university website; for those who prefer to remain anonymous, an anonymous request is available. The university's Center for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning processes about a thousand gratitude letters annually, which contributes to a positive atmosphere at the university and strengthens the bond between students and faculty.

Similar programs exist at various universities abroad. They generally have a similar structure, but may differ in the scope of gratitude. For example, at Georgia State University, five thousand students expressed gratitude to their mentors over two years of study. Such initiatives help strengthen relationships between students and faculty and also foster a positive image of the institution.

In a commentary for Inside Higher Ed, University of Virginia staff emphasized that the practice of expressing gratitude is an important support for faculty. Receiving recognition for one's efforts is enjoyable for anyone, and it is especially valuable for new faculty. Expressing gratitude also benefits students, as it encourages reflection on their learning, which is undoubtedly a beneficial process. This mutual support creates a positive atmosphere in the educational process and strengthens the bond between teachers and students.

Scientific research confirms the positive effects of gratitude on mental and physical health. A number of experiments have found that practicing gratitude helps improve mood, increase happiness, and reduce stress. For example, participants who regularly practiced gratitude reported improved sleep quality and stronger interpersonal relationships. These studies highlight the importance of gratitude in everyday life and its role in overall well-being.

How Gratitude Is Linked to Engagement and Goal Setting

Psychologists often associate gratitude with two important aspects of the learning process: engagement and motivation. One of the recent scientific studies, conducted by American researcher Maria Yukhimenko-Lescroart, examined the relationship between students' life goals, feelings of gratitude, burnout, and academic engagement. The study found that high levels of gratitude can positively impact student engagement in the learning process and reduce the risk of burnout. This underscores the importance of the emotional aspect in the educational environment and its impact on student achievement.

In the study, the author relies on three key aspects of life goals.

• career (the desire to succeed in a certain professional field);
• self-development (the desire to improve oneself, develop and strengthen life principles);
• interaction with others and influence on them (the desire to help other people).

The study found that students focused on development and interaction with others are more likely to experience a feeling of gratitude. This feeling, in turn, can predict the level of academic engagement and reduce the risk of burnout. In addition, students focused on career goals can also exhibit a high level of engagement, but the connection with gratitude in this case is not so obvious.

To test her hypotheses, the researcher conducted a survey among 295 students at an American university. Participants were asked to rate various statements, such as "I feel joy from doing my homework" and "I have reasons to be grateful in my life." Each statement was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 or 1 to 7, which provided data for further analysis.

Here are the results:

• A feeling of gratitude was indeed associated with academic engagement. Citing other scientific studies, Maria Yukhimenko-Lescroart explained: gratitude changes relationships with others, particularly with classmates and professors, and helps one feel part of a community. And this, of course, contributes to a person being more immersed in academic life.
• The hypothesis that a career focus is associated with engagement was also confirmed. This was a predictable result: the clearer students see their goal, the more focused they are on their studies. Moreover, career goals play a key role in engagement, the author of the study is confident.
• The desire to develop, on the other hand, is only slightly related to engagement: students do not view learning as part of self-development. However, young people who are focused on growth and helping others are indeed more likely to experience gratitude. This feeling leads to the fact that they perceive their own achievements more positively.

Maria Yukhimenko-Lescroart concluded that a sense of gratitude significantly increases student engagement and protects them from burnout. She suggested that university administrations pay attention to this effect and develop tools to foster and promote this positive feeling among students. This can not only improve the atmosphere at educational institutions but also promote more effective learning and student development.

Explore additional resources:

Experts emphasize the importance of monitoring student engagement levels for universities. Understanding the degree of student activity and participation in the learning process allows educational institutions to improve the quality of education and tailor programs to student needs. High student engagement contributes to better academic results and increases satisfaction with learning. Universities need to regularly analyze the factors influencing engagement to develop effective support and motivation strategies. Effective student engagement management can be key to increasing a university's competitiveness and attracting new applicants.

Can daily expressions of gratitude impact academic performance?

Expressing gratitude is a useful practice, but its impact is not always obvious. In the early 2010s, researchers from Utrecht University conducted an interesting experiment in the Netherlands. They decided to find out how students' expressions of gratitude and kindness could affect their academic engagement. The results of the study may open new horizons for understanding the relationship between social interactions and academic success.

Academic engagement is directly linked to subjective well-being, which includes three components: life satisfaction, positive mood, and the absence of negative emotions. If a student experiences positive emotions while studying, this, according to the hypothesis, contributes to an increase in their engagement. Expressions of gratitude or acts of kindness can be a source of positive feelings. Thus, creating a positive atmosphere in the educational process can contribute not only to academic success but also to the overall well-being of students.

In an academic setting, scientists conducted two similar experiments to study the impact of gratitude. One involved 50 students, divided into two groups. The experimental group received emails daily during the workweek asking them to recall moments for which they felt grateful, or people who had helped or inspired them. Each day, participants were presented with different situations for reflection. For example, on the first day, they were asked to recall whom they would thank for support in elementary school, and on the last, to reflect on their current teachers and mentors who deserve recognition. The second group of students simply shared their impressions of their day. These studies help us understand how the practice of gratitude can influence people’s emotional state and overall well-being.

The researchers conducted Participants' overall mood and well-being were measured before the experiment began, and their daily well-being and performance were assessed a month later. Particular attention was paid to academic engagement. Questionnaires containing a series of statements were used, which participants rated on a scale of 1 to 5. This approach allowed us to obtain objective data on the experiment's impact on the participants' emotional state and academic achievement.

Here's what we found:

• The researchers hypothesized that participants in the first group would gradually show more positive emotions than participants in the second. This was partially true—however, the difference only appeared toward the end of the experiment—that is, on the fourth and fifth days.
• Another hypothesis was that the first group would experience fewer negative emotions than the control group. This hypothesis was not confirmed: apparently, expressing gratitude did not prevent the emergence of unpleasant feelings.
• The third hypothesis stated that students expressing gratitude would be more engaged in their studies than their colleagues in the control group. This was also not confirmed.

Research has shown that students' level of academic engagement is influenced not so much by gratitude as by kindness to others. Participants in the experiment were asked to perform five kind acts at the university every day for a week, for example, helping professors, holding doors for others, and simply sharing an encouraging smile. These simple actions contributed to an improved atmosphere in the educational institution and had a positive impact on students' academic success.

The impact of small kind acts on positive emotions was significantly stronger than in the first experiment and manifested itself much more quickly. Participants in the experimental group demonstrated higher engagement compared to the control group. However, after a month, engagement levels returned to baseline, highlighting the temporary effect of such acts of kindness on emotional well-being.

Research has shown that the perception of gratitude and acts of kindness differ in nature. Expressing gratitude is often a thought process, making its effect cumulative and short-lived. Meanwhile, performing acts of kindness is a tangible action that is accompanied by immediate feedback. For example, when you hold the elevator door for someone and they say "thank you," you instantly feel a surge of positive emotions. However, as scientists note, it can be difficult to discern what exactly causes increased engagement—the act itself or the positive emotions it evokes. This emphasizes the importance of active good deeds in our lives and their impact on our emotional state.

In our blog you will find many interesting and useful articles on various topics. We offer relevant materials that will help you expand your knowledge and skills. Our experts regularly update content to keep you up-to-date. Don't miss out on learning more by subscribing to our updates. Read our articles and stay on top of the latest trends and news.

It is worth expressing gratitude for the opportunity to receive training and support even at night.

When does expressing gratitude actually work?

In 2019, researchers from Ritsumeikan University and the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology in Japan conducted an experiment to determine the effect of a gratitude diary on student motivation. As part of the study, 84 student volunteers recorded their expressions of gratitude daily in a special notebook. For participating in the experiment, each student received a reward of approximately 3,000 yen, which is equivalent to about 27 US dollars at the 2023 exchange rate. The results of this study may have important implications for understanding how the practice of gratitude affects the level of motivation and the overall psycho-emotional state of students.

The study participants were divided into two groups. The first group kept an online diary for two weeks, in which they recorded five things or events that evoked feelings of gratitude. In addition, they completed a questionnaire about their well-being, including questions about sleep quality and stress levels. The second group did not keep a diary, but only completed a questionnaire. The researchers periodically asked the participants to answer additional questions both during the experiment and after its completion—once after a month and again after three months. This approach allowed us to identify the impact of gratitude practice on the participants' overall well-being and their emotional health.

The study showed that keeping a journal significantly increased the students' motivation. Participants who regularly recorded their thoughts and achievements showed higher levels of motivation than students in the control group. The effect was especially noticeable among those who kept a journal every day. Moreover, three months after the end of the experiment, the positive impact of journaling on motivation still persisted.

Research shows that keeping a gratitude journal promotes rethinking everyday experiences and helps people re-evaluate the benefits they have received. Studying at a university can also be considered one of these benefits. Practicing gratitude can help students develop a deeper understanding of their life goals and recognize their advantages over their peers. This awareness, in turn, can motivate them to maximize their opportunities and engage academically. By keeping a gratitude journal, students not only improve their emotional well-being but also increase their motivation to learn, which ultimately leads to greater academic success.

Research on the impact of gratitude practices on student motivation and engagement is still in its early stages and is not definitive. However, it is clear that showing kindness, whether through kind words or actions, benefits both the recipient and the one expressing it. Expressing gratitude deserves attention and can become an important tool in the educational process.

Learn more about education by subscribing to our Telegram channel. We share relevant information, new trends, and useful tips in the field of education. Don't miss the opportunity to stay up-to-date with all the important events and news. Subscribe and stay in touch!

Read also:

• Russians have become more likely to feel respect and gratitude towards teachers
• Academic motivation: how scientific theories explain it
• Whether a student is satisfied with their studies may depend on their own efforts