Title:  Mental Health Support Awareness at FDA and Its Impact on Math Performance.

Latoya L. Nugent

Frederick Douglass Academy

Introduction:

Welcome to this two-day WebQuest, where we embark on a journey to explore the crucial topic of mental health support at Frederick Douglass Academy (FDA) and its potential impact on students' performance in math. Mental well-being is a cornerstone of academic success, yet its importance often goes overlooked. Over the next two days, we will delve into the reasons behind the inadequate mental health support at FDA, analyze its potential effects on math performance, and engage in creating banners or posters to raise awareness of the safe room initiative. To enhance our understanding, we will also watch two insightful videos focusing on mental health awareness. These videos aim to provide valuable insights and perspectives that will deepen our understanding of the challenges faced by students and the significance of mental health support in academic settings. Through this quest, we strive to promote empathy, understanding, and action towards creating a supportive environment for all students at FDA.

Task:

You and your group of four have been assigned the important task of watching two impactful mental health videos. These videos are designed to shed light on mental health challenges and encourage empathy, understanding, and support for individuals facing these issues. Following the viewing of each video, your group will engage in a reflective discussion. Together, you will explore the key messages conveyed, reflect on the emotional impact of the videos, and brainstorm potential actions that can be taken to support both yourselves and others in maintaining good mental health. This task not only aims to deepen your understanding of mental health issues but also empowers you to take proactive steps in promoting mental well-being within your own lives and communities. Get ready for a meaningful and enlightening discussion!

The six steps that will be followed in the task daily are:

1. Define the Problem

2. Gather Evidence

3. Identify the Cause

4. Evaluate the Existing Policy

5. Develop a Solution

6. Select the Best Solution

After watching each mental health video, your group will apply these steps to analyze the issues presented and propose effective solutions to support mental well-being. Get ready to engage in a thoughtful and solution-oriented discussion!

 

Process: 

Watch the Videos Mental health videos

https://youtu.be/nCrjevx3-Js?si=TdJKmqxF3c__bvmS

https://youtu.be/px9CzSZsa0Y?si=07ALiPofviS9_9cx

Take notes while watching, paying attention to the content, tone, and emotional impact of the video. After completing the first video, take a short break if needed, then proceed to watch the second video.

Reflect on Key Messages: After watching each video, reflect on the key messages conveyed.

Consider how the videos portray mental health challenges, the importance of seeking help, and the impact of stigma and discrimination.

Think about any personal connections or insights you gained from watching the videos.

Emotional Impact: Reflect on the emotional impact of the videos.

Consider how the videos made you feel and any emotions they evoked, such as empathy, sadness, or hope.

 Reflect on how the emotional impact of the videos relates to the experiences of individuals dealing with mental health challenges.

Identify Action Steps: Based on the messages conveyed in the videos, identify potential action steps you can take to support yourself and others in maintaining good mental health.

After watching each mental health video, your group will apply these steps to analyze the issues presented and propose effective solutions to support mental well-being. Consider strategies for promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering supportive environments in your community, school, or workplace. Get ready to engage in a thoughtful and solution-oriented discussion, guided by the Six Steps of the PPA Process:

 

1. Define the Problem: Clearly articulate the mental health challenges addressed in the videos.

2. Gather Evidence: Collect data and information from the videos and additional sources to better understand the scope and impact of the issues.

3. Identify the Cause: Explore underlying factors contributing to mental health challenges, such as societal pressures, lack of resources, or stigma.

4. Evaluate the Existing Policy: Assess current policies and initiatives related to mental health awareness and support in your community, school, or workplace.

5. Develop a Solution: Brainstorm potential strategies and interventions to address the identified problems and promote mental well-being.

6. Select the Best Solution: Determine the most effective approach or combination of approaches to implement, considering feasibility, impact, and sustainability.

 

Submission: Write a reflective essay or create a multimedia presentation summarizing your experience of watching mental health videos. Your submission should include:

A summary of the key messages from each video.

Reflections on the emotional impact of the videos and any personal insights gained.

 Identification of action steps you can take to support mental health awareness and well-being.

Any additional thoughts or reflections on the importance of addressing mental health challenges in society.

Your submission should demonstrate thoughtful engagement with the content of the videos and provide meaningful insights into the importance of mental health awareness and support.

Day 2

Task: Your task is to complete the following steps:

1. Research Mental Health Support at Frederick Douglass Academy.
2. Conduct thorough research to understand the current state of mental health support available at Frederick Douglass Academy (FDA).
3. Explore available resources such as school websites, official documents, news articles, and interviews with students or staff to gather information on existing mental health support services, programs, and initiatives at FDA.
4. Examine the Impact on Students' Math Performance:

1. Analyze how the availability (or lack thereof) of mental health support at FDA may impact students' performance in math.
2.  Consider factors such as stress, anxiety, emotional well-being, and access to resources that may influence students' ability to focus, engage, and succeed in their math studies.
3. Design Banners or Posters for the Safe Room Initiative:
4.  Utilize your research findings to design banners or posters that raise awareness of the safe room initiative at FDA.
5. Incorporate compelling visuals, concise messaging, and appropriate branding to effectively communicate the importance of mental health support and promote the safe room initiative to students, staff, and the broader school community.

Submission:

1. Your submission should include: A research report summarizing the current state

1. of mental health support at Frederick Douglass Academy, including an analysis of its potential impact on students' math performance.
2.  Designs for banners or posters promoting the safe room initiative at FDA, along with explanations of the visual elements and messaging used.
3. Reflections on the significance of mental health support in academic settings and the role of initiatives like the safe room in fostering student well-being and success.
4. Your submission should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between mental health support, academic performance, and student well-being, as well as creativity and effectiveness in designing awareness materials for the safe room initiative.

            Research:

●       Explore the availability of mental health support services at FDA.

●       Investigate counseling programs, support groups, and any existing initiatives aimed at promoting mental well-being among students.

            Understanding the Impact:

●       Consider how the lack of mental health support may affect students' performance in math.

●       Reflect on factors such as stress, anxiety, and overall well-being, and their potential impact on students' ability to focus and succeed in math studies.

            Brainstorming:

●       Reflect on your research findings and consider potential messages and visuals for your banners or posters.

●       Think about creative ways to emphasize the importance of mental health support and promote the safe room initiative at FDA.

            Design:

●       Use art supplies or digital tools to create your banners or posters.

●       Ensure that your designs are visually appealing and effectively communicate the message of promoting mental health awareness and support at FDA.

            Presentation:

●       Present your banners or posters to your classmates, explaining the significance of mental health support for academic success and the importance of initiatives like the safe room at FDA.

Evaluation:

Rubric for Poster/Banner Grading:

Criteria	Excellent (4)	Good (3)	Fair (2)	Needs Improvement (1)
Creativity and Visual Appeal	The poster/banner is exceptionally creative, visually appealing, and effectively grabs attention.	The poster/banner is creative, visually appealing, and generally grabs attention.	The poster/banner is somewhat creative and visually appealing, but may lack some elements to grab attention effectively.	The poster/banner lacks creativity, visual appeal, and fails to grab attention effectively.
Message Clarity and Effectiveness	The message is clear, concise, and effectively communicates the importance of mental health support and the safe room initiative.	The message is clear and effectively communicates the importance of mental health support and the safe room initiative, but may lack some clarity or conciseness.	The message is somewhat clear and communicates the importance of mental health support and the safe room initiative, but may lack clarity or conciseness.	The message is unclear, convoluted, or ineffective in communicating the importance of mental health support and the safe room initiative.
Alignment with Task Requirements	The poster/banner effectively addresses the task requirements and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the lack of mental health support and its impact on math performance at FDA.	The poster/banner addresses most of the task requirements and demonstrates an understanding of the lack of mental health support and its impact on math performance at FDA.	The poster/banner partially addresses the task requirements and demonstrates some understanding of the lack of mental health support and its impact on math performance at FDA.	The poster/banner does not effectively address the task requirements and demonstrates little understanding of the lack of mental health support and its impact on math performance at FDA.
Overall Presentation and Organization	The poster/banner is well-organized, with information presented in a logical and coherent manner.	The poster/banner is organized, with information presented in a mostly logical and coherent manner.	The poster/banner is somewhat organized, but may lack coherence or logical presentation of information.	The poster/banner is disorganized and lacks coherence or logical presentation of information.

Through this two-day WebQuest, you have gained valuable insights into the critical role of mental health support in fostering student well-being and academic success. By exploring the reasons behind the lack of support at Frederick Douglass Academy (FDA) and analyzing its potential impact on math performance, you have deepened your understanding of the challenges students may face. Additionally, by creating banners or posters to promote awareness of the safe room initiative at FDA, you have taken proactive steps towards fostering a supportive environment for all students.

Impact on Bringing Awareness to the School Community:

Your engagement in this WebQuest has equipped you with the knowledge and tools to bring awareness to the school community about the importance of mental health support. Through your creatively designed banners or posters, you have the opportunity to effectively communicate the significance of mental health support initiatives and encourage dialogue within the school community. By showcasing your work and sharing your insights with classmates, teachers, and school administrators, you can inspire action and advocacy for improved mental health resources and support systems at FDA. Your contributions have the power to spark positive change and create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all students at the school.