There are many pressures with being a good student such as getting good grades and being accepted by peers. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Psychological Association says that 15%-20% of students needed mental health support. Those numbers will increase as a result of virtual learning as well as the uncertainty of the world. When school staff members are equipped with the right tools to track what they observe in their students, they will be able to catch adverse mental health signs early.
Discovering Student Mental Health Data Trends
Teachers already record student data like attendance and grades, but those are stored in separate databases or logged physically. This makes it hard to see student trends over time if this information is recorded non-digitally. When it can all be stored in one place and accessible for studies, it makes it easier to reveal irregularities. When the data sets are broken down and compared with one another, it can reveal patterns in students’ behavior. Teachers would have access to see how a student is doing overall. For instance, if a student who got good grades with great attendance started doing poorly and missing school, a teacher could make note of the irregular trend. Then they could reach out to the student and family to see if they are okay.
Mood Monitoring for Record Keeping
A communication platform can make it possible for teachers to record information they gather such as a students’ moods. Just like when a teacher records attendance, they can record a student’s mood using a scale of one to ten. Once the information is gathered, it can reveal trends that would never be connected otherwise. It can be things like noticing a student is constantly upset in class or on a particular day. Maybe that person is being bullied or there is a stressor at home for them. With this information in mind, staff can intervene and connect with the student and/or parents about how to help their child.
The Importance of Monitoring Moods
With a dashboard that contains multiple data sets like attendance, grades, and mood, it can be easier for staff to spot a student’s concerning behavior. Everyone needs all the help they can get during this pandemic. While it may be intimidating for students to ask for help, teachers can use the right tools to identify which students need help without relying on the student reaching out and asking.
Teachers are already monitoring students based on their grades and attendance. However, the mood of a student can say a lot about where they are mentally. Having the right tools available in schools to track moods will give teaching staff a clear picture on how their student is doing. At Alta Loma, we understand the importance of making sure men of all ages are in the right place with their mental health. Located in Georgetown, Texas, we can provide you with individualized therapy, life coping skills education, therapeutic recreational activities, and more. Please call (866) 457-3843 for more information.
