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Dr Laura Patel champions emotional literacy in science teaching in podcast series

, Theme Lead for Enhancing Laboratory Teaching at the Centre for Chemistry Education at 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ, is featured in the latest episode of the Emotion Matters in HE podcast series, highlighting innovative approaches to embedding emotional literacy within science education.

In Episode 6, titled “Embedding emotion literacy development in science-based teaching,” Laura joins (Department of Physics) in conversation with (Centre for Higher Education Research and Scholarship, CHERS) to discuss how emotional awareness is being integrated into Chemistry and Physics curricula. The episode explores how structured sessions are helping students better understand the role emotions play in their learning processes, particularly in high-pressure, traditionally challenging 'hard science' disciplines.

The initiative reflects a growing recognition across higher education that academic success is closely intertwined with students’ emotional experiences. Based on academic emotions research, Laura and her colleagues have designed and embedded targeted activities that encourage students to reflect on stress, discomfort, and other challenging emotions often encountered in learning environments. By developing a more nuanced understanding of challenging emotions, the sessions aim to foster resilience, improve self-awareness, and support more effective peer collaboration.

I really wanted to share with students the idea that unpleasant emotions can be useful for their learning, feeling stress is not necessarily bad. It’s pleasing to see students take-away this idea from the sessions. Making the podcast was a really useful prompt to reflect on the teaching, and it was interesting to compare and contrast the chemistry and physics approaches. And it was a fun experience to make the recording!

Dr Laura Patel, Theme Lead: Enhancing Laboratory Teaching

The podcast discussion also delves into the pedagogical decisions behind the initiative, including the framing of key messages and the design of interactive elements. Laura shares insights into how students have responded, noting that many take away a deeper appreciation of the learning process itself, not just the content.

Feedback from learners suggests that these sessions are helping to reduce stigma around struggle and encouraging more open, supportive interactions among peers. By equipping students with the language and tools to articulate their emotional experiences, the programme is contributing to a more inclusive and reflective learning culture.

Laura’s contribution to the Emotion Matters in HE series underscores the Centre for Chemistry Education’s commitment to advancing evidence-based, student-centred teaching practices. Her work exemplifies how innovation in curriculum design can enhance not only academic outcomes but also student wellbeing.

The full episode is available to listen online as part of the ongoing series exploring the role of emotion in higher education teaching and learning.