5.1 Going further: wellbeing models, external resources and their possible application in the learning environment
Many wellbeing models exist that can provide specific guidance and direction on how the promotion of wellbeing can be incorporated into educational contexts. A useful model that you may like to explore is the PERMA model of wellbeing. This model is a research-based approach developed by the American psychologist, Martin Seligman (2011) that focuses on five key elements that he identified for promoting wellbeing: Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment.
Seligman has argued that these five elements can all be seen as building blocks for generating greater happiness and wellbeing (Seligman, 2018). You may like to think about how you could build these five elements into your own educational setting or look at how components of different models could inspire and encourage small changes within your teaching practice.
Another role you have as an educator is to share relevant external resources and information with your learners. You may like to compile your own list of useful resources, including organisations such as Student Minds and that offer learners support, ideas and inspiration for their wellbeing. You may wish to just share these contacts with your learners or you could get involved in some of their specific campaigns aimed at supporting learners’ mental health. Finally, in line with next week’s focus on your own wellbeing as an educator, you may find it useful to explore the website of the charity Education Support, which is dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of educators.