This free course provides educators with an introduction to adult learners’ mental health. The course is designed to develop understanding of the impact mental health has on learning, as well as to explore the variety of strategies that can be employed to support adult learners experiencing a range of mental health related challenges.
This course will be of interest to educators in adult learning settings who do not have specific expertise in this area, but who may encounter learners whose mental health is a barrier to their learning and would like to know how to respond and where to turn.
Listen to course authors Sarah Mander and Neill Boddington talking about the course content, which focuses on the mental health and wellbeing of adults in learning environments.
The course is endorsed by the Charlie Waller Trust.
Enrolling on the course will give you the opportunity to earn an Open University digital badge. Badges are not accredited by The Open University but they’re a great way to demonstrate your interest in the subject and commitment to your career, and to provide evidence of continuing professional development.
The Open University would really appreciate a few minutes of your time to tell us about yourself and your expectations for the course before you begin, in our start-of-course survey. Once you complete the course we would also value your feedback and suggestions for future improvement, in our end-of-course survey. Participation will be completely confidential and we will not pass on your details to others.
Earn this free Open University digital badge if you complete this course! The badge can be displayed, shared and downloaded as a marker of your achievement. The badge is awarded for completing the course and passing the quizzes.
Course learning outcomes
After studying this course, you should be able to:
- recognise barriers to learning which can occur as a result of adult learners' poor mental health
- identify stigmatised behaviours and common misconceptions about adult learners' mental health and develop skills which equip educators to reduce stigma in educational practice
- recognise the signs of adult learners' poor mental health and apply appropriate methods to engage in discussions about their mental health, including signposting to relevant support
- encourage adult learners to use appropriate coping strategies which support positive wellbeing and mental health
- create self-care strategies and skills which support personal positive wellbeing.
First Published: 02/04/2025
Updated: 02/04/2025