The Importance of Psychology in Education
Psychology and counselling are a wide area of practice and study, underpinned by science, communication and social skills.
To practice psychology and counselling, you must understand more about human behaviour, why people behave the way they do, how mental health conditions develop and how we can support people to improve their well-being and mental health.
Education in psychology and counselling is even more important today as we hear worrying statistics, such as the increase in mental health difficulties worldwide in adults and children. We heard recently that even children under five are now showing an increase in mental health problems. The recent COVID-19 pandemic, ecoanxiety and the wars occurring throughout the world are no doubt having an impact upon people’s mental health worldwide.
It is, therefore, that people have an increased understanding of human development and mental health and wellbeing to ensure that we live healthy lives – both mentally and physically.
Not everyone wants to be a psychologist or counsellor, but it is important that people gain an understanding of mental health, and ill health. For example, studying basic psychology or counselling skills, or ways to reduce anxiety or stress or anger. Or educators might want to learn more about supporting young people at school, or students who are neurodiverse.
No matter what level of understanding a person needs regarding mental health, it is important to ensure that any learning is of high quality. Quality education should be learning that:
- Is broad in scope and depth
- Is held in deep, long term memory
- Significantly increases the student’s ability to perform at work
Learning is a Process
Effective psychological or counselling skills education should be seen as a journey that is complicated construction. It can only be built by blending a “real world” knowledge of what an individual does with a sophisticated understanding of educational psychology.
It can start with the presentation of theoretical knowledge, but that knowledge must be revisited and reinforced, and applied in different contexts to deepen and broaden an i’dividual's understanding of psychology and counselling
As students revisit and apply skills in different situations, and repeatedly, our critical thinking, problem solving and ability to innovate grows.
Critical hands-on skills such as active listening, summarising, observing and conducting research can appear difficult at first, but the more we practice our social skills, the more we gain greater understanding of people and the world around us.
The more we practice our social skills, the better we get. The better we communicate with others, the more we will understand others.
Why?
The human race is going through a tough time with global warming, wars, increased levels of mental health difficulties, such as anxiety and depression. By understanding and empathising with each other more, we can hopefully reduce the misunderstandings and difficulties that can arise. An increased understanding of what makes humans function well and healthily mentally is important for all of us. Learning more about human psychology and counselling can therefore help us to understand each other and hopefully improve the world in which we live.
[30/04/2024 00:49:20]
More from ACS
Directory to dozens of home study options -short courses, certificates and diplomas.