Course Description:
This course frames and explores “talking to students about mental well-being” in two ways.
Firstly, as a lesson plan replicable by a teacher and secondly as a guide to what a teacher can and should do, in terms of intervention, in their academic role without specific training on mental health.
The course alongside these two roles acts as an information source in itself about the nature of mental well-being, particularly regarding the taboos and stigmas students can face.
In addition, the course is also an information source around safeguarding practice in noticing the signs of poorer wellbeing and in intervention. The lesson plan focuses on encouraging students to notice both their own negative well-being as well as their resources for positive well-being.
The course is structured to serve two main purposes:
- Provide a lesson plan template for teachers to replicate in their own classrooms, fostering conversations about mental well-being among students.
- Offer guidance on how teachers can effectively intervene and support students’ mental well-being within their academic roles, even without specific mental health training.
Course Learning Objectives:
- Create a lesson plan that encourages meaningful discussions about mental well-being in a classroom setting.
- Facilitate open and non-judgmental conversations with students about mental well-being, addressing common taboos and stigmas.
- Identify signs and signals that indicate a student may be experiencing poor mental well-being.
- Apply effective strategies to support students’ mental well-being, including referrals to appropriate resources when necessary.
- Assist students in recognising and utilising available resources for positive mental wellbeing.
Course Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Create a lesson plan for discussing mental well-being that includes objectives, content, activities, and assessment criteria.
- Foster an open and empathetic environment that encourages students to talk about mental well-being without fear or stigma.
- Identify potential signs of mental distress or poor well-being in students, such as changes in behaviour, academic performance, or social interactions.
- Implement a range of intervention techniques, including active listening, referral to school resources, and appropriate communication with students and their families.
- Apply safeguarding practices, including knowing when and how to escalate concerns regarding a student’s mental well-being to appropriate authorities.
- Assist students in identifying and utilising available resources, both within and outside the school, for enhancing their mental well-being.
By the end of this course, teachers will have the knowledge, skills, and resources to not only foster discussions about mental well-being but also provide vital support and intervention when needed.
Resources & Assessment:
- The course provides a range of resources to support learners and facilitate the application of acquired knowledge.
- The course incorporates a comprehensive final assessment, known as the ‘Course Test’, designed to evaluate participants’ understanding of the essential concepts covered throughout the course. Upon successfully passing this test, participants will be awarded a course certificate.
