Fostering Positive Self-Image and Healthy Body Awareness in Educational Settings
Course overview
This comprehensive 5-day course is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and strategies to support self-esteem, promote healthy body image, and encourage the correct use of social media among students. The course will delve into the impact of lockdowns, social distancing, and the use of social media on adolescents’ self-image and self-esteem, providing educators with actionable support strategies to implement within their educational settings.
The course will explore the concept of body image, examining its topographic and emotional dimensions. Participants will gain insights into the interdependence of these dimensions and how they influence an individual’s perception of their physical forms and self-evaluation. The course will also address the significant transformations that occur during adolescence and their potential impact on body image distortions and the development of eating disorders.
Emphasis will be placed on the importance of fostering a solid and healthy self-esteem among students. Participants will learn how a positive self-esteem can empower individuals to take action, believe in their capabilities, open doors to opportunities, promote well-being, and ultimately achieve self-realization.
The course will delve into the social, cognitive, and emotional factors that contribute to the development of a negative body image. Participants will explore the influence of cultural norms, the loss of childhood status, the tendency to distort perceptions, rigid beliefs about ideal proportions, perfectionism, self-esteem, and a sense of adequacy. By understanding these factors, educators will be better equipped to address and counteract their impact on students’ self-perception and body image.
To enhance the learning experience and provide a cultural context, the course will incorporate a guided visit to a local museum, heritage site, or eco-conscious initiative. This visit will allow participants to explore the cultural richness of the area, draw inspiration from sustainable practices, and gain insights into incorporating inclusive and green dimensions into their educational strategies for promoting positive self-image and healthy body awareness.
Tentative schedule:
Day 1: Introduction to self-image and body awareness in educational settings
Day 2: Understanding body image and self-esteem
Day 3: Social and cognitive factors influencing body image
Day 4: Emotional factors and addressing negative body image
Day 5: Implementing support strategies and course wrap-up
The classes typically run from 9 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon, with the afternoon and evening reserved for self-reflection and individual study. However, the course schedule may be adjusted to accommodate the preferences of the participants and the availability of instructors or external learning locations. Participants will receive the finalized schedule well in advance, allowing ample time for preparation and planning.
Learning outcomes:
The participants will be able to: