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

  • Icebreakers and networking activities
  • Introduction to the course and participants
  • Overview of the course methodology and expectations
  • Exploring the impact of lockdowns, social distancing, and social media on adolescents’ self-image and self-esteem
  • Group discussions: Sharing personal experiences and challenges in supporting students’ self-esteem and body image

Day 2: Understanding body image and self-esteem

  • Defining body image: Topographic and emotional dimensions
  • The interdependence of body image dimensions and their influence on self-perception
  • The significance of a solid and healthy self-esteem
  • Practical activities: Fostering positive self-esteem among students

Day 3: Social and cognitive factors influencing body image

  • Defining body image: Topographic and emotional dimensions
  • The interdependence of body image dimensions and their influence on self-perception
  • The significance of a solid and healthy self-esteem
  • Cultural visit (e.g. museum, heritage site) guided in English to explore local heritage and sustainability practices
  • Group activity: Reflection of the body representation based on the impressions from the cultural visit

Day 4: Emotional factors and addressing negative body image

  • The role of self-esteem and a sense of adequacy in body image development
  • Strategies for counteracting negative body image and promoting healthy body awareness
  • Practical activities: Developing inclusive and supportive educational environments

Day 5: Implementing support strategies and course wrap-up

  • Developing action plans for supporting self-esteem, healthy body image, and responsible social media use in educational settings
  • Presentations: Participants share their action plans and strategies
  • Course evaluation and feedback
  • Certification ceremony

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:

  • Analyze the impact of lockdowns, social distancing, and the use of social media on adolescents’ self-image and self-esteem.
  • Explain the concept of body image, including its topographic and emotional dimensions, and their interdependence in shaping self-perception.
  • Evaluate the significance of fostering a solid and healthy self-esteem among students and its benefits for personal growth and well-being.
  • Identify the social, cognitive, and emotional factors that contribute to the development of a negative body image, such as cultural norms, distorted perceptions, and self-esteem issues.
  • Develop strategies to counteract negative body image and promote healthy body awareness among students.
  • Implement inclusive and supportive educational environments that celebrate diversity and encourage positive self-image and self-acceptance.
  • Design action plans for supporting self-esteem, healthy body image, and responsible social media use within their educational settings.
  • Collaborate with fellow educators to share best practices, strategies, and resources for addressing self-image and body awareness concerns among students.
  • Incorporate cultural elements and inspiration from local heritage and sustainable practices into their educational strategies for promoting positive self-image and healthy body awareness.
  • Evaluate their own teaching practices and identify areas for continuous improvement in supporting students’ self-esteem, body image, and responsible social media use.

Course fee:

  • 400 euro per participant (covered entirely by the Erasmus grant)

Course fee includes:

  • At least 25 hours of course content;
  • Course materials;
  • Certificate of participation;
  • Europass, on request;
  • Learning / Mobility Agreement;
  • Visits to local institutions, if available;
  • Personalized support;
  • Free high-speed WIFI internet at the POU Čakovec premises;
  • Refreshments;
  • Administration costs;
  • Dissemination materials.
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