Over the past 20 years, there has been an increased focus on mental health and wellbeing in public discourse. This shift feels long overdue, particularly in the education context where it’s arguably most important. School is the environment where children and teenagers spend most of their time, strongly shaping the adult they will become. Today’s generation of students have a similar-but-different set of challenges than previous generations, primarily driven by the advancement of social technology which has provided common generational struggles like bullying, depression, and anxiety an entirely new arena for students to cope with. It is important for educators and all those involved with a school to understand what student wellbeing is and how it can be best nurtured.

Student wellbeing encompasses the overall health of a student, including their social, mental, physical, and emotional health. In addition to the fact that wellbeing and academic achievement are intertwined, student wellbeing is often most apparent in the intangible experience students have at school. A student that is happy and healthy typically has better motivation and contentment in school. They feel part of a community and want to contribute to it.

Teacher and students gathered around several tablets learning new concepts

How educators can support student wellbeing

Educators should be aware of how wellbeing positively influences student learning outcomes, and that success in learning enhances student wellbeing. Understanding this important reciprocal and interconnected link is essential for educators and their students to thrive. Student wellbeing is connected to improved academic performance, better mental health and responsible life choices.

If educators make a strong and sincere attempt to help students feel connected and engaged in their learning, students will find it more seamless to develop the social and emotional skills to grow into happy, respectful, well-balanced and successful members of their school and wider community.

Creating an environment where students feel safe and welcomed

As an educator, your goal is to create a positive learning environment that will set your students up for success. This is a multi-faceted goal and one that can be particular to every teacher. It is also ever evolving as it requires renewed attention every school year. There is no one-size-fits-all rule but there are certain practices teachers can use to create an environment where students can look forward to coming to class. Some of these include:

  • Building positive relationships with students by learning about their likes, dislikes, strengths and areas for growth and opportunity and parents through communicating with them about what is happening in the classroom and making them feel as involved as they can be
  • Helping students connect with one another, improving their sense of belonging, increasing engagement and establishing a caring culture in the classroom
  • Setting a precedent with classroom rules for positive behaviour, as opposed to punishment for bad behaviour

These are just a few of the ways teachers can set both themselves and their students up for success from the first day. The earlier it begins, the more likely it is to sustain for all involved.

Teacher and students gathered around a laptop discussing wellbeing

How to help students going through wellbeing struggles

Even if a teacher manages to create a positive, safe and inclusive environment for students, there are a number of factors outside their control that could contribute to a downturn in a student’s wellbeing. The teacher still has a very important supportive role to play in monitoring the student and potentially referring them to other people or resources for support.

While students often feel comfortable confiding in particular teachers they have a positive relationship with, there comes a time when the student must be referred to a mental health professional. If a student appears distressed, a teacher can ask and answer questions using simple and direct language. Sometimes, this is all the student needs. But if the teacher observes signs of deep stress, anxiety or sadness (e.g. becoming teary or angry, shouting or asking to leave the room), this could be a sign that the student requires additional support.

Key wellbeing resources for teachers

There are a number of resources that teachers can use to set themselves up for success in Australia. The Australian government continually updates their comprehensive list. Some other useful resources are:

teachers gathered around a table discussing a wellbeing initiative for their students

What student wellbeing means in curriculum frameworks

In the Australian education landscape, the government has taken steps to help states align on student wellbeing initiatives and priorities through frameworks, hence the creation of the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework.

It is ‘a foundational document that provides Australian schools with a vision and a set of guiding principles to support school communities to build positive learning environments, and to consider reviewing their current safety and wellbeing policy and support requirements.

The Wellbeing Framework provides school communities with best-practice advice on developing and implementing policies and support mechanisms to help all students from the first year of school to year 12. The five key elements of the Wellbeing Framework are:

  1. Leadership: Principals and school leaders play an active role in building positive learning environment where the whole school community feels included connected, safe and respected.
  2. Inclusion: All members of the school community are active participants in building a welcoming school culture that values diversity, and fosters positive, respectful relationships.
  3. Student Voice: Students are active participants in their own learning and wellbeing, feel connected and use their social and emotional skills to be respectful, resilient and safe.
  4. Partnerships: Families and communities collaborate as partners with the school to support student learning, safety and wellbeing.
  5. Support: School staff, students and families share and cultivate an understanding of wellbeing and support for positive behaviour and how this supports effective teaching and learning.’

The Wellbeing Framework has been endorsed by Ministers of Education through Education Council with input from all states and territories, education authorities and a range of national and international experts. The Framework helps all members of the school environment understand how they can support wellbeing and is a great starting point for any teacher motivated to improve wellbeing at their school.  

Pearson Schools student wellbeing resources

Pearson Australia is proud to support the future of student wellbeing in Australia. Pearson wellbeing resources aim to help learners better understand themselves and the world around them. If you are considering new and improved resources for your school, please feel free to browse our Wellbeing Teaching Resources for Primary Schools. Alternatively, you are welcome to get in touch with a Pearson representative in your state. They will work with you to find the student wellbeing solution best for your school.

In schools and the systems that support them, there is a firm ongoing commitment to understanding and improving learner and educator wellbeing. If educators feel they have the support and resources to have an impact on student wellbeing, they are more likely to build a good learning environment for their students. For students, a strong sense of self-worth and belonging at school will enable them to be better equipped to achieve good learning outcomes, cope with challenges and sustain their emotional, mental and physical wellbeing.

 

Pearson Australia Thought leadership