, QUESTION 1. Psychosocial Support and Emotional-Behavioural Interventions
(25 marks) a) Explain the concept of psychosocial support in an educational
context. (5 marks) b) Discuss three evidence-based strategies for providing
emotional support to students in a classroom setting. (10 marks) c) Describe a
behavioural intervention approach of your choice and explain how it can be
implemented to address challenging behaviours in the classroom. (10 marks)
a) Psychosocial Support in an Educational Context (5 marks)
Psychosocial support refers to the care and support provided to help students manage emotional,
social, and mental challenges, enabling them to function well in school and life. In the
educational context, this involves creating a supportive environment that promotes students'
psychological well-being, resilience, and positive relationships. It helps them cope with stress,
trauma, or social issues, and enhances their learning experience by addressing both emotional
and social needs. Teachers, counselors, and peers play critical roles in providing this support
through active listening, empathy, and tailored interventions.
b) Evidence-Based Strategies for Providing Emotional Support to Students (10
marks)
1. Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Mindfulness practices like breathing exercises and
guided meditation help students regulate their emotions, reduce anxiety, and enhance
focus. Research shows that mindfulness promotes emotional regulation, reduces stress,
and improves academic performance.
2. Emotion Coaching: Teachers guide students in recognizing and managing their
emotions by acknowledging their feelings and providing coping strategies. This approach
helps students express emotions constructively, fostering emotional intelligence and
better relationships with peers.
3. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs: SEL programs like PATHS (Promoting
Alternative Thinking Strategies) or CASEL focus on developing skills like empathy, self-
awareness, and responsible decision-making. These programs have been proven to reduce
emotional distress and improve students’ social skills and classroom behavior.
c) Behavioural Intervention Approach: Positive Behavior Interventions and
Supports (PBIS) (10 marks)
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a proactive, tiered framework used to
improve and maintain positive student behavior in schools. It focuses on preventing challenging
behaviors through consistent expectations, reinforcement, and targeted interventions.
