We all have a role to play in supporting student wellbeing and mental health, but the breadth of challenges facing our students can be overwhelming – it can be difficult to know which interventions will be helpful, and where to start. However, a wealth of literature exists suggesting that small, practical, and tangible support strategies can have a big impact on student wellbeing and learning.
Access the designing student support and wellbeing section to explore case studies, strategies, and processes for supporting student wellbeing and mental health.
Often described as the “human side” of higher education, belonging and connection encompasses both academic and social engagement (Thomas, 2012), and is developed through participation and integration into the institution’s academic and social culture (Tinto, 1987). Students who develop a sense of belonging feel more accepted, valued, and included by their institution’s community. They are more likely to have found friends, developed positive relationships with teachers and other staff, have increased confidence in their abilities, and feel part of their study program and institution. Belonging leads to increased motivation and serves to bind students to their group or community, even when challenges arise (Tinto, 2017).
Access the fostering belonging and connection section to explore case studies, strategies, and processes for supporting student belonging and connection
Throughout the learning experience, students develop knowledge and skills, and the ability to apply these to real world contexts. They expand their world views, develop critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, and embark on a journey to become independent, confident, self-motivated learners. As teachers, one of the fundamental responsibilities of our role is to enhance, enable, and add value to the learning experience to in order to help our students reach their full potential.
Access the supporting the student learning experience section to explore case studies, strategies, and processes for supporting student learning.