Social/emotional wellbeing and school connectedness

These practices focus on the social and emotional wellbeing of students, using social clubs and teaching models that foster school connectedness and a positive learning environment. Students on the autism spectrum tend to experience greater developmental challenges associated with adolescence than their neurotypical peers. Extensive research has found a high level of school connectedness is one of the most important protective factors for the current and future mental wellbeing and positive adolescent development.

Teacher greeting student
Practice

Foster school connectedness using the WISE model

Middle years
Preschool – Year 12
Senior years
1
This practice uses the WISE model to help you incorporate the four major components of school connectedness into your everyday actions at school, both in the classroom and throug... Read more
Professor Ian Shochet
A teacher and a student talking
Practice

Respond constructively to student behaviour

Middle years
How teachers respond to positive behaviour can contribute to a positive learning environment and can help prevent inappropriate behaviour. Constructive responses to behaviour: us... Read more
Using robotics to help students work collaboratively
Practice

Work collaboratively: Robotics social clubs

Middle years
This practice contains two of nine challenges for robotics social clubs. Working collaboratively is critical for successful relationships. In the Australian Curriculum, students ... Read more
Students assemble robotic LEGO vehicles
Practice

Communicate effectively: Robotics social clubs

Middle years
This practice contains two of nine challenges for robotics social clubs. Communicating effectively is critical for successful relationships. In the Australian Curriculum, student... Read more
Dr Beth Saggers
Students assemble a walking LEGO robot
Practice

Improve teamwork skills: Robotics social clubs

Middle years
This practice contains one of nine challenges for robotics social clubs. It uses the programming and teamwork skills students have practised in previous challenges. Teacher-selec... Read more
A map of Tokyo subway routes
Practice

Incorporate special interests in the classroom

Middle years
Students on the autism spectrum may have special interests, i.e. one or two specific and intense areas they’re interested in. Students may be stronger in these areas than in othe... Read more
Dr Trevor Clark
Students work on a robot together
Practice

Make decisions: Robotics social clubs

Middle years
This practice contains one of nine challenges for robotics social clubs. Making decisions effectively is critical for successful relationships. In the Australian Curriculum, stud... Read more
Students work as a group to solve problems
Practice

Negotiate, resolve conflicts: Robotics social clubs

Middle years
This practice contains three of nine challenges for robotics social clubs. Negotiating and resolving conflict is critical for successful relationships. In the Australian Curricul... Read more