Increasing evidence shows that wellbeing and positive mental health are key factors for student success at university. However, many students struggle with high levels of psychological distress that negatively impacts their ability to participate, concentrate, and succeed. This course will examine the range factors that can support or undermine student mental health in diverse learning environments. It will offer suggestions on how curriculum can be intentionally designed to foster student wellbeing, and explore the role of academic educators in creating supportive learning environments, including for research supervisors to support PhD candidates.
Course Dates
This course ran from Monday, 22 January to Wednesday, 24 January, 2018 through this blog but is accessible online to anyone interested. There are 3 blog posts that will take about 10-15 minutes to work through.
Modules
- Day 1: Student wellbeing. This module explores conditions in higher education that may be contributing to high levels of psychological distress among university students. It also introduces a theoretical understanding of factors that support or undermine student mental health in diverse learning environments.
- Day 2: Curriculum design. This module explores the ways that decisions in curriculum design might increase or mitigate student anxiety and distress. It also offers good practice strategies and discipline-based case studies of curriculum innovation designed to enhance student wellbeing.
- Day 3: Teaching practices. This module reviews evidence-based teaching approaches that have been shown to enhance student wellbeing, engagement and competence in a range of contexts. It provides examples of how the essentials of student mental wellbeing can be supported through diverse teaching practices.
Facilitators
Alexandra Culloden is the Wellbeing Project Coordinator for the Division of Student Life at ANU. With a Bachelor of Psychology and Master of Public Health Alex also brings over 10 years’ experience in the mental health sector to her role at the university. She is passionate about supporting student wellbeing within the university environment through universal whole systems approaches with an emphasis on prevention and health promotion.
Technology-Enhanced Learning in Higher Education Certificate
Go here to learn more on getting recognised for your participation in coffee courses (ANU Staff only).
All are welcome
We welcome all staff, including tutors, demonstrators, professional staff, and academics at the Australian National University and beyond to join us for this course.
Questions?
Please feel free to contact clt@anu.edu.au with any questions.