Student welfare

Our guest on episode 72 of The Research Files is Professor Joseph Ciarrochi from Australian Catholic University’s Institute for Positive Psychology and Education. He’s the lead researcher for projectHOPE – a program that’s notched up success in re-engaging at-risk secondary students with their schooling.

Coping with stress, mental health, and school and study problems were the top three concerns of young people last year, according to the most recent findings from a large study. In this Q&A, two of the report’s co-authors explain how educators can support their students in these areas.

Forums held with students in Years 6, 7 and 8 in Australia on the topic of starting high school have shed light on what concerns them the most about the transition process, and what has been helpful to them along the way. Here, we share some comments from the students.

In this special podcast episode, we’ve gathered a panel of experienced teachers and leaders, who will be sharing their priorities, strategies and tips for the first few weeks of term and for a successful year. Topics include classroom displays, professional learning and positive behaviour management.

'As we approach the third year of the pandemic, it’s crucial that teachers and students have the opportunity to reset for the school year ahead.' In our latest reader submission, Dr Tom Brunzell shares tools and strategies from trauma-informed and strengths-based practice that can be used to support teacher wellbeing and ensure students are ready to learn.

The uncertainty of another pandemic year piled extra pressure on Year 12 students, who were faced with disruptions to their learning and traditional end-of-year celebrations and social events. It’s also taken its toll on teachers of this graduating cohort.

In this episode of Global Education, we catch up with 2021 Top 10 finalist from Bonnyrigg Public School in New South Wales, Rebecca West. Rebecca was recognised for her work in supporting students with additional needs and refining the school’s professional development program. She shares more in today’s podcast.

‘Educators employ a range of strategies to manage student wellbeing, but the impact of COVID-19 on their approach to this is not yet fully understood.’ Dr Bridianne O’Dea – Senior Research Fellow in youth mental health at the Black Dog Institute – shares the findings of a recent investigation into secondary school educators’ approaches to student mental health during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Researchers have held forums with students about their views on moving up to high school and, in a new report, share that students are most concerned about academic expectations, high school systems and social challenges during the transition process.

For students who are unable to attend normal classes in school, a telepresence robot represents a very real solution to a very difficult situation and has the potential to transform their lives. Dr Susan O’Donnell and Adrian Rayner explain more, and share comments from teachers and students who’ve been using the technology.