Performance and Issues Regarding a Mental Health Support Program for Student Teachers: Lessons from Four Years of Operation

Abstract

【Purpose】 In 2007, “A” university established a mental health support program for student teachers with mental health issues to prevent those from being declined or suspended from their teaching practicums. Therefore, this paper examines the performance and issues regarding this particular program.

【Methods】 The analysis is based on data obtained from 8,043 university students who were pursuing their basic teaching practicums (kiso jisshu) during the 2003-2010 time period. In 2007, the program committee began selecting students who required mental health support. The effect of the program on the supported students is examined by comparing the number of students who were either declined or suspended from their teaching practicums between the four-year period before and after the initiation of the program.

【Results】Four years prior to the program, the number of students who were either declined or suspended was 178 (4.4%). However, four years after the start of the program, the number of these students was 68 (1.7%), which is a significant decrease. As a result, all 48 students receiving mental health support completed their practicums without problems.

【Discussion/Conclusion】The overall decrease in the number of students who were either declined or suspended can be attributed to the following three factors: (1) the program committee could select those students who were highly likely to face suspension or disqualification; (2) the program raised the awareness of students and instructors regarding mental health by promoting the program, which led to easy information sharing; (3) the program had a multi-level support system for students experiencing mental problems. On the basis of the findings, the mental health support program is considered to be effective since the number of students who were either declined or suspended has decreased and all of the supported recipients could complete their practicums. Furthermore, since it is vital to identify any student who might need support (but are not selected for the program), perhaps a questionnaire survey could be conducted both before and after their practicums.