Learning and wellbeing

The revised Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO 2.0 - Department of Education and Training Victoria, Australia) asserts that learning and wellbeing are given equal value in schools. The acknowledgement of a mutually reinforcing relationship between learning and wellbeing highlights their interdependency for a student – impact one and you impact the other.

Delivering learning and wellbeing for a student becomes even more complex when we realise that a student does not learn in an isolation chamber but that they are in constant interaction with their peers.

Wellbeing is a concept we all understand. Importantly, in the context of schools, wellbeing can be broken down into at least two components: mental wellbeing and social wellbeing. These are two interdependent but distinct concepts. Much is written about the need for schools to be aware of students’ mental wellbeing but because they are interdependent, understanding students’ social wellbeing is just as important.

Social wellbeing can come from feeling connected to one's peers. In the context of schools, connections with peers are incredibly important. Peer influence can be a good thing, helping students learn or be more active. But peer influence can also have negative impacts, and as noted by the World Health Organization (WHO) Commission of Social Connectedness (2024-2026):

“Anyone, anywhere, can be lonely or socially isolated. Across all ages and regions, loneliness and social isolation have serious impacts on our physical and mental health, and the well-being of our communities and society. The WHO Commission on Social Connection (2024–2026) aims to see the issue recognised and resourced as a global public health priority.” (WHO, 2024)

Understanding social connectedness - a concept inextricably linked to peer influence - offers an innovative way forward via the use of Social Network Analysis (SNA), an approach that has not been previously available in any accessible and rapid way until now.

SNA Toolbox enables schools to examine peer social connectedness and understand its impact on student learning and wellbeing.