Studying online

There are now 3 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Units available in Online Restricted mode have been adapted for online study only for those students who require the unit to complete their studies and who are unable to attend campus owing to exceptional circumstances beyond their control. To be enrolled in a unit in Online Restricted mode, students should contact their Student Advising Office through askUWA

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

In this unit students will develop theoretical and practical understanding of how to design, implement and evaluate interventions and programs to support mental health and wellbeing of students in educational settings. Participants will be introduced to the concepts of mental health, emotional wellbeing, resilience, positive wellbeing and how these differ from a focus on mental disorders, and how these concepts apply to students and staff in schools. The rationale for why resilience should be taught in schools will be discussed along with developing an understanding of what wellbeing means to children and adolescents. The range of individual, class-based and school-wide approaches to building mental health and positive wellbeing will be discussed. Participants will examine the evidence base supporting interventions and programs. Participants will also be introduced to concepts and methods for evaluating mental health and wellbeing programs so that they can (a) interrogate and analyse existing evidence-based programs and (b) evaluate the impact of programs and interventions within educational settings. Participants will be introduced to research designs that can be used to evaluate and measure the outcomes of a school-based intervention, and how to interpret the outcomes of an intervention. Participants will be introduced to the range of resources available to support the development of school-based wellbeing programs. The unit will also discuss what constitutes a culture of wellbeing within schools, and how to go about building a positive wellbeing culture in school.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) differentiate the concepts of mental health, emotional wellbeing, resilience and mental disorders; (2) evaluate the evidence base for successful mental health and wellbeing programs in education settings; (3) identify effective practices based on the existing evidence to develop a culture of wellbeing across whole schools or other education contexts; and (4) create a positive wellbeing program for use in education settings, and develop plans to implement such a program.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) program evaluation and (2) implementation plan. Further information is available in the unit outline.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor David Lawrence
Unit rules
Prerequisites
EDUC5639 Childhood and Adolescent Developmental Psychopathology
and EDUC5010 Assessing and Interpreting Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.