« Santé et bien-être psychologique »

Committed to helping adults experiencing difficulties rediscover the pleasure of learning

As part of her internship at the Mgr-Beaudoin adult education centre of the Beauce-Etchemin school board, Stéphanie Poulin, a special education and social adaptation student at the Université de Sherbrooke, developed a course entitled Health and Psychological Well-being aimed at providing students registered in the adult education program with tools to help them better deal with everyday life.

“My goal was simple: to alleviate the problems regarding the French language experienced by students in terms of reading and public speaking, as well as giving them tools for expressing themselves and improving their well-being so that they can get more out of life,” Stéphanie explains. She points out that “people often forget that most adult education students have not had an easy life, that they are not necessarily at school by choice, that they have demanding responsibilities outside of school and often have significant difficulties learning.”

In devising the new course, which is inspired by the principles behind the adult education reform that will be introduced in fall 2009, she also wanted to prove that it is possible to teach adults using methods other than modules.

In every respect, she can say mission accomplished. “The group forged a true sense of belonging and, as time went by, the members became more and more motivated,” says Stéphanie. “This helped prove to certain professionals who are more reluctant towards this important restructuring that by changing their approach they can have a positive impact on their students.”

She chose eight students (between the ages of 20 and 52) to take part in her pilot project. She began by asking them to read a novel about suicide as a way of introducing them to psychological health problems. After completing an assignment on emotional self-regulation, motivation, self-knowledge and pleasure, they then went on to take part in a number of self-expression activities (writing, painting on canvas, photography, music, cooking, dance and therapeutic horseback riding), activities which were made possible thanks to the collaboration of seven professionals in the community.

At the end of each workshop, the students had to write an essay about what they had acquired from their experience and how they would be able to apply this in their everyday lives. Finally, all the students were asked to make an oral presentation summarizing their experience.

“I was truly delighted to see just how much progress each and every student had made in the month during which the project was carried out. Initially reserved and more self-centred with little self-confidence, the members of the group gained self-esteem, took full control of their abilities, were capable of expressing themselves and sharing with others, both individually and in front of the class,” Stéphanie proudly asserts.

“She succeeded in preparing students for new realities they would have to face while prompting them to examine their inner selves. Because of the positive feedback from participants, other teachers and the school administration, I have every reason to believe that her innovative internship project examined very relevant issues and fulfilled some of the real needs of our adult education students,” says Lily Fournier, education advisor at the Beauce-Etchemin school board.

“Nothing is more valuable than seeing a sparkle in the eyes of those being taught and the tangible proof of their personal development. The project showed that, as a teacher, I can make a difference in the lives of students if I make the effort and I will do everything I can to adhere to this principle from now on,” Stéphanie says in conclusion.

« Santé et bien-être psychologique »