Nurturing Minds - The Interplay of Mental Health, Wellbeing and Learning

Join us as we explore how fostering student mental health and wellbeing impacts their academic success. From the importance of creating trusting relationships to the impact of COVID-19 - learn how to create strategies that support both students and teachers to create a nurturing and cohesive educational environment.

In this episode, Dr. Stella Laletas and Dr. Chloe De Rosbo-Davies discuss the critical role of mental health in shaping educational experiences. As experts in psychology and education, they offer invaluable insights into the complex relationship between a student's sense of wellbeing and learning capacity.

Drawing from her extensive teaching experience, Stella underscores the importance of creating secure and trusting environments for student success. Echoing her insights, Chloe, a psychologist and previous school counsellor, highlights the profound positive changes in students who establish connections with their teachers.

Together, we explore:

• The direct impact of emotional safety on motivation and engagement in learning.
• The composition and invaluable role of wellbeing teams within schools, and how teachers can utilise these resources for additional support.
• Strategies for teachers to build trust and meaningful relationships with students, while maintaining professional boundaries and respecting privacy.
• The significant and ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student mental health, including the rise of disengagement and separation anxiety.
• The growing necessity for schools to prioritise educator wellbeing as it’s intrinsically linked to their effectiveness in the classroom.
• Practical resources and approaches that can help such as mental health first aid, to empower teachers to support their students effectively.

This episode advocates for a holistic approach to wellbeing in education, providing a wealth of insights for educators aiming to enrich their classroom environments and foster comprehensive development in their students. Join us for an enlightening discussion on Let’s Talk Teaching.

Resources:

• Schools Mental Health Menu
• Student Wellbeing Hub
• High Impact Wellbeing Strategies

Special Guests:

Dr Stella Laletas
Senior Lecturer in Developmental Psychology, Counselling and Inclusive Education - Monash University

Dr Chloe De Rosbo-Davies
Educational and Developmental Psychologist - Level Up Psychology
 

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We are grateful for the support of Monash University’s Faculty of Education in producing this podcast.