![]() Learning about common mental illnesses and how mental health affects learning will help instructors use teaching methods that centre flexibility and accessibility. They want instructors to understand their need for flexibility doesn’t mean lack of a work ethic.Ĥ) Learn about mental health literacy. They wanted instructors to know that inevitably, there will be times when they need support and they would like compassion from instructors. Having to ask for extensions can be difficult for students who are already experiencing the negative effects of mental-health-related stigma.ģ) Students consistently said they are juggling multiple priorities (academics, jobs and family) and managing stress with varied levels of support. (Gabriela Campos/Santa Fe New Mexican via AP, File)Ģ) When possible, offer flexible due dates for assignments for all students. Learning about mental health literacy will help instructors design their courses with flexibility and accessibility in mind. ![]() “When you’re at a point in which you just cannot pull yourself out of the house or go to class, having a recorded class that you can go over is extremely helpful.” If I’m feeling really down one day, since things are recorded, I can just go back when I’m feeling better and actually attend the class.” It has allowed me to work around periods of time that I have had major mood issues. “Online learning has been wonderful for my mental health. For example, recording lectures can improve student engagement by being concerned with maximizing student autonomy and individual choice while offering multiple ways to access course material and reduce stress. Students in my study were asked: “What advice would you give to your professors/instructors (teaching online courses) to facilitate inclusive and supportive learning environments for students with mental-health-related disorders?” Students suggested the following:ġ) Use elements of universal design for learning to provide accessibility for all students while also promoting mental health. Providing a policy framework to embed health promotion in all policies and procedures by identifying guiding values like social connectedness, reducing undue stress and inclusivity. Helping instructors promote well-being in learning environments, for example through a resource library which allows instructors to discover “ helpful activities, teaching practices and other methods shared by SFU faculty and instructional staff to bring conditions for well-being to life” in the courses or educational activities they lead Promoting well-being in physical spaces with a focus on factors such as air quality, ventilation and moveable furniture Simon Fraser University, for example, has areas for action for promoting mental health including: Forty-four Canadian post-secondary institutions have taken up aspects of this charter as part of the Canadian Health Promoting Campuses Network. What’s known as the Okanagan Charter is an international charter that outlines language, principles and framework that post-secondary institutions should use to promote health and well-being. ![]() ![]() There are many opportunities to make post-secondary institutions more accessible, inclusive and health promoting. This makes academic courses prime forums where instructors can promote mental health by sharing mental health resources (providing information about student mental health services) and by designing accessible and flexible courses. While the post-secondary experience is not all about course work, completing assignments, writing exams and attending lectures is a big part of students’ daily lives. My study findings suggest online learning spaces ought to be inclusive and accessible, and that they can be key locations for promoting mental health for students. To get a picture of the range of influences on learning, I categorized influences on learning as individual (for example, experiencing symptoms of mental illness), inter-personal (relationships with instructors and peers) and institutional (factors like accessibility of course content and student services). (Pexels/Ketut Subiyanto) Course work is central to student experience For some students with mental-health related disabilities, online learning might be the best option for post-secondary education.
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