Research Seminar: Measuring student wellbeing, a Canadian case study

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Abstract: The field of student wellbeing education has emerged as a growing field which has attracted attention and critique. While these criticisms are valid, it is argued that student wellbeing education has more potential than critics suggest. Through a case study, it is claimed that the measurement of wellbeing is a significant step for schools to take before developing and implementing wellbeing education that can positively impact students within an educational community. But success is not immediate.

The case study describes student wellbeing assessment from an all-boys Canadian school (n = 797) ages 11-18 years old. Analysing objective and subjective wellbeing data from 2019 the case study will also outline recommendations to the school on how the data could be used to progress its wellbeing strategy. Results generated included descriptive statistics based on Kern, Waters, Adler & White (2014a), Kern, Waters, Adler, & White (2014b) and Kern, Benson, Steinberg, & Steinberg (2014) EPOCH Measure of Adolescent Wellbeing measure of flourishing for youth which assesses engagement, perseverance, optimism, connection to others, happiness and open-ended subjective comments on wellbeing. Results support the claim that there is keen interest from the student’s perspective for wellbeing education and suggest a strong foundation for the case study school to progress its ambitious wellbeing priorities while providing candid feedback on school culture.

Biography: Associate Professor Mathew White PhD: contact and research details

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