The University of Queensland recently hosted an impactful 3-hour workshop focused on equipping educators with the tools and understanding to navigate the complexities of stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma within the English Language Teaching (ELT) context. The workshop aimed to foster resilience among teachers and create a supportive learning environment for students.
Key Topics and Activities:
The workshop delved into the following key areas:
- Understanding Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma: The session began with a mini-lecture exploring the nature of these challenges and their implications for individuals, groups, educational settings, and organisations. The session also incorporated feedback from a needs analysis and survey, ensuring the content was tailored to the specific needs of the participants.
- Group Sociometry and Experiential Activities: Participants engaged in various group activities, including dyads, triads, small group discussions, and interactive exercises like the “Circle of Similarities” and “Circle of Strengths.” These activities fostered connection, self-reflection, and a deeper understanding of group dynamics.
- Post-Traumatic Growth and Trauma-Informed Approaches: A second mini-lecture explored the concept of post-traumatic growth and the four key principles of trauma-informed care: Realisation, Recognition, Response, and Resisting Re-traumatisation.
- Psychodrama Techniques: The workshop introduced participants to various psychodrama techniques, such as role reversal, soliloquy, concretization, and the empty chair technique. These experiential exercises provided a safe space for exploration, expression, and personal growth.
- Review and Next Steps: The workshop concluded with a review of key takeaways, consolidation of learning, and a discussion of potential next steps for participants. An evaluation was also conducted to gather feedback and insights for future workshops.
Overall Impact:
The workshop provided valuable insights and practical strategies for educators to build resilience, support student well-being, and create a trauma-informed learning environment. By addressing the complexities of stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma, the workshop empowered teachers to navigate these challenges with greater confidence and compassion.
Call to Action:
If you’re interested in learning more about trauma-informed teaching and building resilience in ELT, contact me to collaborate with you on future workshops or exploring additional resources. Together, we can create a more supportive and empowering educational experience for all.
