Teacher Development: Embedding Mental Health in the Curriculum

This microcredential offers educators from a variety of sectors and settings the opportunity to better understand the impact of mental health issues on learners.

Growing numbers of students at schools and universities are experiencing mental health issues. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened anxiety and stress for many learners of all ages – especially those facing a significant change to the way their education is delivered.

Learn how to better support your students’ mental wellbeing

With guidance from global teaching experts with decades of experience in supporting learners with mental health problems, you’ll learn how to apply inclusive teaching strategies that support young people’s mental health and help them to develop resilience in the modern world.

While the act of learning can be extremely positive for student mental wellbeing, in other cases it can also exacerbate or even cause mental health difficulties.

This microcredential will give you the knowledge and tools to embed student mental health and wellbeing in the curriculum through the design of teaching, learning and assessment activities and the application of Universal Design for Learning.

You’ll develop a greater awareness of the triggers and issues that can lead to mental health difficulties and how to address these within your practice, whilst also exploring institution-wide approaches to mental wellbeing.

Understand the mental health implications of online learning

You’ll explore how the use of technology can affect student mental wellbeing and better understand the mental health implications associated with online learning.

As well as identifying the potential negative effects of digital learning, you’ll also explore ways of harnessing technology to enhance student mental wellbeing.

Is mental health training for teachers in demand?

Yes. According to the World Health Organisation, one in seven 10-19 year olds experience a mental health disorder. Although 98% of surveyed teachers had come into contact with pupils experiencing mental health issues, only 46% received mental health training. This course offers the latest research and training in this vitally important area.

Throughout the course you’ll take part in weekly activities to support and consolidate your learning. At the end of the course, you’ll submit an assessment which is marked and graded by subject matter experts.

This course is part of a suite of Online Teaching microcredentials from The Open University: Creating Courses for Adult Learners; Evaluating and Improving Courses; Embedding Social, Race, and Gender-Related Equity; and Accessibility and Inclusive Learning.

Academic credits from this course can contribute to The Open University’s Masters in Online Teaching.

Courses under this program:
Course 1: Teacher Development: Embedding Mental Health in the Curriculum
-Develop your skills in embedding student mental health and wellbeing in teaching, learning, assessment and peer support activities