Helping students to self-soothe anxiety

Learning objectives and outcomes

OBJECTIVE: To be able define what exam anxiety is, and what causes it OUTCOMES: Learners will be able to:

• Describe what exam anxiety is

• Where anxiety happens in the body

• What causes anxiety

OBJECTIVE: To be able select and use techniques overcoming anxiety OUTCOMES: Learners will be able to:

• Name techniques to conquer anxiety

• Able to use these techniques based on the situation best suited for the method

• Able to practice methods by the help of the Soothie app

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ADDIE storyboard​

1. Analyse

Pre-launch

Who is your audience?

Young adults starting university, and struggling with relaxation.

Why do they need this course/module?

Students need this course to learn the basic of meditation and relaxation skills to learn to cope with high stress and anxiety prior and during exam period.

What are their needs/challenges/motivation?

Students who experience anxiety can take several steps to establish a calming environment that will enable them to better manage their anxiety when it comes to taking exams. One possible approach could involve setting up a designated study area that features comfortable seating, soft lighting, and a peaceful ambiance. Another idea might be to offer stress-reducing activities, such as yoga or meditation, to help students relax and refocus before and after exams. Additionally, it may be beneficial to provide resources for mental health support, such as counseling or therapy, to help students who may be struggling with anxiety on a more regular basis.

While setting up a comfortable study area can be helpful, it is also important to establish a routine that includes regular breaks, exercise, and healthy eating habits. Taking frequent breaks can help students avoid burnout and refocus their minds, while exercise and a healthy diet can support overall well-being and reduce stress levels. Additionally, students may benefit from using various relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or visualisation, to help them manage their anxiety in the moment.

Finally, it is important to recognise that anxiety can be a complex issue that may require additional support. In addition to resources for mental health support, students may also benefit from talking to their instructors or academic advisors about their concerns. By taking a proactive approach to managing their anxiety, students can create an environment that supports their well-being and fosters success in their academic pursuits.

Post-launch

How can I work my findings from the “Evaluation? stage into a new better version of the course/module?

When it comes to analysing a module and comparing it to its intended outcomes, there are various methods that can be employed. One of these methods is asking students who have already completed the module for their feedback, which can offer valuable insights into the effectiveness of the module. Another method is to conduct a thorough evaluation of the module's content, in order to identify any gaps that may exist. Despite these strategies, however, it remains a challenge to address the issue of anxiety that students may experience when trying to put the taught lessons into practice. This is because anxiety is a complex and multifaceted issue that can be difficult to measure or quantify. Nevertheless, it is important to recognise that the reduction of anxiety is crucial to the success of a module, and efforts should be made to address this issue in a comprehensive and effective manner.

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1. Design

Pre-launch

• Basic personality psychology concentrating on stress and anxiety

• Methods that can help to create an organised environment for students to learn in

• Relaxation techniques which can be practiced daily

• Daily check-in on progress, and constant feedback on how the student is feeling after using the techniques

Post-launch

What elements of this course or module, specifically need improvement? What should the new improved version look like?

• Relaxation techniques need to be explained in a more practical way

1. Develop

Pre-launch

Topic to research and write content on by SMEs:

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1. Impact of exam stress

2. How to watch for signs of stress?

3. Exam revision

4. Preparing for an exam

5. Deep breathing exercises

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The learning material will have an additional component that helps users keep up with techniques. This concept was created by me when I was working with individuals who struggle with anxiety. It was clear to me that many of them had a hard time identifying what was causing their anxiety, which made it difficult for them to manage it. This new component is designed to help users identify the actions, sounds, or activities that trigger their anxiety. For example, if someone has social anxiety, they may start to feel anxious when they hear people talking loudly. With this new component, users can add this information to the app, and the app will help them practice breathing techniques to manage their anxiety when they encounter those triggers.

In addition to helping users manage their anxiety, the app will also provide a way for learners to stay on track with their practice. The app will include reminders to practice, progress tracking, and other features that will help users stay motivated and engaged. With this app, learners will have a comprehensive resource that will support them as they work to master new techniques and overcome their anxiety.

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Pre-launch

In future iterations, it would be beneficial to establish a closer connection between the techniques employed in the learning material and the app's ability to track progress. This could be achieved by adding more detailed information on the learning material and how it relates to the app's tracking features. Additionally, it might be helpful to include examples or case studies to illustrate the effectiveness of the app's tracking capabilities. Furthermore, exploring the possibility of integrating social features into the app could enhance the users' motivation and engagement, providing them with a community of like-minded learners to interact with and share their progress with.

1. Implement

Pre-launch

As a pre-launch implementation exercise, I would recommend conducting a survey with the target audience to gather feedback on their learning experience expectations. This could include asking about the topics they hope to learn about, the skills they want to develop, and the format they prefer, such as interactive activities or lectures. Additionally, I would suggest creating focus groups with diverse members of the target audience to gather more detailed feedback and suggestions for improvement. Based on the feedback collected, any gaps in the course content can be identified and filled to ensure that the learning experience meets the expectations of the target audience. This can help to increase engagement and satisfaction with the course, leading to greater success upon launch.

Post-launch

The post-launch implementation exercise would involve the same activities as the pre-launch one, yet here I would use the improved version of the learning experience. In addition, it is important to conduct a thorough analysis of the data and feedback gathered during the pre-launch phase in order to identify areas of improvement. This analysis could include a review of user feedback, performance metrics, and market trends. Once potential areas of improvement have been identified, the team could work together to develop and implement strategies to address these issues.

By taking a proactive approach to post-launch activities, the team can ensure the success of the product well into the future.

1. Evaluate

Pre-launch

During implementation, the course will be delivered to a focus group to check if the learning experience is suitable for the target audience and meets the learning objectives. The focus group will evaluate the experience individually and also discuss it as a group. Based on their feedback, there will be consideration of how the course can be improved.