In today's educational environment, there is an increasing focus on providing comprehensive mental health support for students. As mental health issues among children and adolescents become more prevalent, schools must prioritize emotional and psychological well-being alongside academic achievement. One effective solution is incorporating regular mental health checkups with licensed psychiatrists or counselors.

Issues like anxiety, depression, stress, and other emotional challenges are becoming more common among students, driven by factors such as academic pressure, social relationships, family dynamics, and the influence of social media. Without adequate support, these problems can result in declining academic performance, behavioral issues, or more severe outcomes like self-harm or withdrawal.

In light of the growing mental health crisis, schools should introduce annual mental health checkups as part of their standard health assessments. These evaluations, conducted by qualified mental health professionals, would offer a proactive approach to identifying early signs of mental health challenges.

During these checkups, professionals can screen for symptoms of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress, providing a confidential space for students to share their feelings. This approach not only aids in early detection but also allows for timely interventions and counseling when necessary.

The implementation of regular mental health checkups would provide several benefits. Early detection of mental health concerns allows for timely interventions, preventing issues from escalating. By incorporating these checkups, schools can also help destigmatize conversations about mental health, making it easier for students to seek help when needed. Moreover, these efforts contribute to creating a supportive environment where students feel that their emotional well-being is valued, encouraging them to express their concerns without fear of judgment. Addressing both academic and emotional needs fosters holistic development, ensuring that students not only succeed academically but also build emotional resilience.

As mental health awareness grows, schools must adopt practices that address students' emotional well-being. Implementing annual mental health checkups is a proactive strategy that allows schools to monitor and support students, offering timely help and fostering a nurturing environment. Schools that balance mental health with academic growth are better equipped to nurture well-rounded individuals, prepared for success in life inside and outside the classroom.

Reference:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9243415/
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.886344/full

• John Barax Marcellana

Denice Hood’s work on student development emphasizes the holistic growth of students, not only in their academic pursuits but also in their emotional, social, and cognitive development. Her approach aligns with the idea that learning is not limited to acquiring knowledge in a classroom but involves developing critical thinking, identity, and interpersonal skills that prepare students for life beyond school.
Key Insights:

Holistic Approach: Hood’s perspective encourages educators to focus on the whole student, considering their mental, emotional, and social growth, not just academic success. This view acknowledges that student development is multifaceted and that students thrive when their broader needs are met.

Identity and Self-Authorship: One of the significant aspects of Hood’s framework is the focus on self-authorship, where students are encouraged to reflect on their identity, values, and beliefs. This reflection allows students to gain a sense of ownership over their learning and personal growth, promoting a deeper connection between their education and personal life.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Hood also highlights the importance of developing emotional intelligence and social skills through education. By fostering emotional resilience and positive social interactions, students are better equipped to navigate challenges both in school and in life.

Classroom Application:

In practice, educators can apply Hood’s principles by:

Encouraging reflective practices, where students are asked to think about their learning experiences, goals, and personal challenges.
Promoting collaborative learning environments that emphasize teamwork, empathy, and communication.
Creating support systems that address students’ emotional needs, such as counseling, peer mentorship, or wellness programs.

Conclusion:

Denice Hood’s student development theory provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the broader spectrum of student growth. By focusing on the holistic development of students, educators can create a nurturing environment where students not only excel academically but also grow into emotionally intelligent and self-aware individuals. This approach ensures that education prepares students for the complexities of life beyond the classroom, making them more adaptable, resilient, and engaged citizens.
Here are some resources that can provide further insights into Denice Hood’s work on student development, as well as broader concepts related to holistic education and student growth:

Hood, D. (2012). Student Development in Higher Education: A Comprehensive Approach. This book discusses various aspects of student development, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach in educational settings.

Chickering, A. W., & Reisser, L. (1993). Education and Identity. This foundational text explores identity development in students and how it influences their learning and engagement in higher education.

Perry, W. G. (1970). Forms of Ethical and Intellectual Development in the College Years: A Scheme. This work outlines stages of cognitive and ethical development, providing context for understanding student growth.

Astin, A. W. (1993). Student Involvement: A Developmental Theory for Higher Education. This article introduces the concept of student involvement and its critical role in student development and learning outcomes.

Elias, M. J., & Arnold, H. (2006). Social-Emotional Learning: A New Approach to Education. This resource highlights the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) and its impact on student success, aligning well with Hood’s emphasis on emotional and social development.

Schunk, D. H., & Zimmerman, B. (2008). Motivation and Self-Regulated Learning: Theory, Research, and Applications. This book discusses self-regulation and motivation in the learning process, relevant to Hood's ideas on self-authorship and identity development.

• Arash Rahnavard

Comment: Supplementary Supports Do Learners Need

1. Academic Support:

Tutoring: Providing additional help in specific subjects.
Study Skills Workshops: Teaching time management, note-taking, test preparation, etc.
Learning Disabilities Services: Accommodations and specialized support for students with learning disabilities.

2. Emotional and Psychological Support:

Counseling Services: Addressing stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Peer Support Groups: Encouraging students to share experiences and strategies for coping with common challenges.
Crisis Intervention: Immediate support in situations of acute distress.

3. Career and Life Planning:

Career Counseling: Assisting students in choosing majors, exploring career options, and developing job search strategies.
Life Skills Training: Workshops on financial management, communication, and other essential life skills.

4. Social Support:

Mentorship Programs: Pairing students with mentors who can guide them academically and personally.
Community Building Activities: Facilitating engagement through clubs, organizations, and social events.

Make an Update: Relevant Educational Counseling Practices for me as an instructor.

Differentiated Instruction Training: Professional development on strategies for differentiating instruction, including using technology, flexible grouping, and various assessment methods to cater to different learning needs.

Behavioral Management Techniques: Training in positive behavioral interventions and supports to manage classroom behavior effectively, particularly for students with emotional or behavioral disorders.

Collaboration and Consultation: Encouraging regular consultations with certified counselors, special educators, and psychologists to develop and implement individualized education plans.

Emotional Intelligence and Empathy Building: Programs that help me as an instructor to develop emotional intelligence and empathy to understand better and respond to students' emotional and psychological needs.

• Yuszaizie Mohd Pauzee

One educational counseling need that I find particularly relevant is academic stress management. Here’s a description of why it’s important and how it can be addressed:

Academic Stress Management
Importance:

Impact on Students: High levels of academic stress can negatively affect students' mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being. It can lead to issues like anxiety, burnout, and decreased motivation.
Prevalence: Many students experience stress related to exams, assignments, and the pressure to succeed, making this a common and critical issue.
Addressing the Need:

Counseling Sessions

Individual Counseling: Helps students identify sources of stress and develop personalized coping strategies.
Group Counseling: Provides a supportive environment where students can share experiences and strategies for managing stress.
Workshops and Seminars

Stress Management Workshops: Teach techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and time management.
Study Skills Seminars: Offer strategies for effective study habits and exam preparation to reduce academic pressure.
Peer Support Programs

Peer Mentoring: Connects students with mentors who can offer advice and support based on their own experiences.
Support Groups: Facilitates discussions among students dealing with similar stressors, providing a sense of community and shared understanding.
Time Management and Organizational Tools

Workshops on Time Management: Help students develop skills to balance academic workload and personal life.
Use of Organizational Tools: Encourages the use of planners, apps, or other tools to manage tasks and deadlines effectively.
Purpose of These Practices
Reduce Stress: Helps students manage their stress levels, leading to improved mental health and academic performance.
Enhance Coping Skills: Provide students with practical tools and techniques for handling stress and pressure.
Promote Balance: Encourages a healthier balance between academic responsibilities and personal life, contributing to overall well-being.

• Yuszaizie Mohd Pauzee

Supplementary Supports for College Learners
Academic Support

Tutoring: Helps with understanding course material.
Time Management: Teaches how to organize and prioritize tasks.
Emotional and Psychological Support

Counseling Services: Provides help for stress, anxiety, and personal issues.
Crisis Intervention: Immediate help for serious emotional crises.
Career Guidance

Career Counseling: Assists with exploring career options and job search strategies.
Internships and Job Placement: Helps find practical experience and job opportunities.
Social Support

Peer Mentoring: Connects students with peers for advice and support.
Support Groups: Creates a sense of community for those facing similar challenges.
Purposes of Counseling Psychologists
Personal Growth: Helps students understand themselves and develop coping skills.
Academic Performance: Addresses psychological issues that affect study and focus.
Well-Being: Improves mental health and emotional balance.
Career Development: Supports informed career decisions and stress management.
Methods Used
Individual Counseling: One-on-one sessions for personal issues.
Group Counseling: Sessions with multiple students on common topics.
Workshops: Educational sessions on stress, study skills, and career planning.
Assessments: Evaluations to tailor support to individual needs.
Roles of Counseling Psychologists
Therapist: Provides therapy for personal issues.
Advisor: Offers guidance on academic and career decisions.
Advocate: Ensures students get the resources they need.
Educator: Teaches skills for personal and academic success.

• Yuszaizie Mohd Pauzee

Research by Dorothy Espelage focuses on the social and emotional conditions of learning, specifically addressing the issue of bullying in schools. Espelage's work delves into understanding the impact of bullying on students' well-being, academic performance, and overall school environment. By examining the dynamics of bullying behavior, the roles of students, teachers, and parents, as well as the underlying social and emotional factors contributing to bullying incidents, Espelage's research aims to develop interventions and strategies to create safer and more inclusive school environments. Her work underscores the importance of promoting positive social interactions, fostering empathy, and addressing root causes of bullying to enhance learning outcomes and students' overall mental and emotional health within educational settings.

• Abdulaziz Albandar

To provide and promote positive social and emotional conditions of learning, learners need an identifiable and trusted context that allows them to feel safe in their way of being while supporting their development and providing tools for self-observance and discovery. As self-discovery is a broad concept, to better identify areas of action and purpose, the 7 Vectors presented by Denice Hood can give direction and help to identify scopes of actions. As an example of one method to develop purpose (Vector 6), voluntary workshops and/or individual sessions can be implemented in which students are guided to identify what are they good at, what they like to do (thus understanding the difference between the 2), how can the combo of these 2 serve to a greater societal level (aka. what the society needs nowadays).
In this scenario, the role of counseling psychologists would be to guide, support and empower students to find the answers to these 3 main questions. This can happen by asking guidance questions covering discovering strengths and weaknesses, understanding social contribution, challenging assumptions, values clarification and mind mapping.

In conclusion, similar setups (focusing both on individual and peer discussion) could be provided and tailored for each one of the 7 Vectors to allow a deepened sense of self in the learners and alignment with their development path.

• Alessia Porazzi

Yakubu Akogu
UPDATE ON EDUCATIONAL COUNSELING NEEDS RELEVANT TO ME
It is believed that educational counselling services in school shall develop, assess and improve educational programmes; enhance teaching and improve the competence of the teacher and reduce cost for the learners . The school children are undergoing some of the most difficult periods of life. They need to be given proper guidance on how to deal with psychological problems which can badly impact their studies. Through these sessions, the students will be able to develop certain problem-solving skills which to an extent help them deal with particular issues surrounding their lives. As an instructor that demonstrates practical skills to Dental students, this particular field of study will definitely enhance my job outcome in current place of work

• Thaliya Thahseen U Thaliya

I appreciate Skinner's ideas. I think there is an extent to which we can condition and automate responses in education. For example, students can be trained to be quiet when you turn the lights off. Free will is the limit,

• Thaliya Thahseen U Thaliya

I appreciate Skinner's ideas. I think there is an extent to which we can condition and automate responses in education. For example, students can be trained to be quiet when you turn the lights off. Free will is the limit,

• Thaliya Thahseen U Thaliya