Stay CALM: Collaborative and Active Learning for Mental Health

Dr Michael Priestley, Lecturer, Durham University

Olivia Zhang, 3rd Year Student, BA Education Studies 

Abstract

University students in the UK experience increasing and unequal levels of loneliness, associated with poorer mental health, academic outcomes, and retention. In response, existing policy and practice guidance has advocated a whole university approach to building social connection through collaborative pedagogies, defined as tasks and activities that promote working together in small groups. However, there remains a lack of evidence regarding current first year undergraduate students’ perspectives and preparedness for collaborative pedagogical approaches, particularly among international students and following the Covid-19 pandemic. Alongside student researcher Olivia Zhang, this presentation will discuss preliminary findings from a mixed methods project in partnership with Sussex University that explored student perspectives on collaborative approaches, including barriers to engagement and recommendations for practice.

Bio

Olivia Zhang is a third year student on the BA Education Studies Programme and a recipient of the School of Education Summer Internship scheme. Michael Priestley is a lecturer in the School of Education with a research interest in mental health.

Joining Online
This event will be accessible via Microsoft Teams. If you would like to attend online, please contact ed.research@durham.ac.uk to request the Teams link.