A faculty member at Elon University for 17 years, Winter’s research focuses on relational pedagogy, student wellness, and community-building in higher education.
Marna K. Winter, senior lecturer in education at Elon University, recently presented her research at the Critical Questions in Education Conference, hosted by the Academy for Educational Studies in Savannah, Georgia, from February 3-5, 2025.
In her session, titled “Play in the Classroom: It’s Not Just Fun, It’s Evidence-Based,” Winter explored the integration of structured play into higher education as a tool for reducing student stress, fostering mindfulness and enhancing community—all critical components of student well-being. As college students face increasing levels of stress and mental health challenges, faculty navigate the complex balance of wanting to support student well-being while recognizing their primary role as content experts rather than mental health professionals. Through her research, Winter has found that mini-play sessions in the classroom can serve as an impactful strategy to help students transition from stress and overwhelm to more positive emotional states, such as calmness, excitement and joy. Winter’s work aligns with broader wellness pedagogy research, which suggests that fostering play and joy in academic spaces can improve both mental health and learning outcomes.
A faculty member at Elon University for 17 years, Winter’s research focuses on relational pedagogy, student wellness, and community-building in higher education. Her participation in the Critical Questions in Education Conference contributes to an ongoing dialogue about innovative teaching strategies and the role of well-being in student success.