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Online nutrition courses are important for encouraging healthy eating in the younger population, particularly because over 28 per cent of children and adolescents in Australia were considered overweight or obese in 2019. It’s a disturbing statistic and one that can have serious and long-term implications for their future health and wellbeing.

Learning about children’s nutrition, and developing strategies for healthy eating early can help reduce the risks of social and emotional problems, and diseases in later life like obesity, Type-2 diabetes, heart disease and even some types of cancer.

Our Certificate of Child Nutrition is focused on a holistic approach, where you’ll learn about optimal diets and the healthy eating patterns and nutritional requirements suited to infants right through to adolescents.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking online nutrition courses include:

• Learning about the scope, nature and history of nutrition
• Exploring the effect of culture and family background on nutrition
• Studying the importance of nutrition in early childhood
• Understanding the basic nutrients needed in a child’s diet
• Examining nutrition tips for children
• Gaining insights into nutrition for pre-pregnancy
• Learning about the pre-conception diet – maternal weight and maternal nutrient status
• Exploring paternal health and nutrition
• Studying the effect of nutrition of parents at conception
• Examining how to make diet changes pre-conception
• Gaining insights into nutrition in pregnancy
• Learning about early pregnancy and morning sickness
• Gaining tips on helping with pregnancy nausea
• Exploring nutrition through pregnancy in terms of a recommended dietary intake (RDI)
• Studying caloric and fluid intake through pregnancy
• Understanding the calorie demands of a pregnant woman
• Gaining insights into foods to avoid while pregnant
• Learning about hypervitaminosis
• Exploring pregnancy complications that relate to nutrition
• Studying nutrition in infants
• Gaining an understanding of breastfeeding
• Examining formula feeding
• Gaining insights into feeding for the first six months
• Learning about starting infants on solid foods
• Exploring the adequate Vitamin C and iron intake for infants in the first year
• Studying how to progress infants on solid foods – protein, dairy and finger foods etc.
• Gaining an understanding of nutrition for toddlers
• Examining snack packs, small meals and meal alternatives
• Gaining insights into allergens
• Exploring weaning
• Studying nutrition in childhood
• Understanding caloric, mineral and vitamin intake
• Learning how to encourage good eating habits
• Gaining insights into breakfast, packed lunches and morning and afternoon snacks
• Learning about childhood eating habits
• Studying puberty
• Gaining an understanding of nutritional concerns
• Examining the scope and nature of nutritional health for children
• Gaining insights into healthy snacks and re-hydration
• Learning about underweight children and malnutrition
• Exploring anaemia/iron deficiency
• Studying dental care in children
• Understanding eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia and binge eating
• Examining fast food and junk food
• Gaining insights into influencing children’s eating
• Learning how to teach healthy eating to children
• Exploring healthy snack ideas
• Studying childhood food sensitivities
• Understanding food intolerances and allergies
• Exploring the relevant research
• Studying food and autism in children
• Understanding food and child behaviour problems
• Examining sensitivity diagnosis including diet and skin and blood tests
• Gaining insights into child nutrition issues
• Learning about the causes of childhood obesity including what’s unhealthy
• Exploring the guidelines for child weight loss
• Studying diet plans and special nutritional needs
• Gaining an understanding of childhood diabetes
• Examining vegetarian and vegan diets
• Learning about normal eating habits for children

Childhood Obesity in Australia

Obesity can take its toll on both physical and mental health, including increasing the chance of children developing a range of other medical conditions. Because obese children also tend to be obese in later life, it’s vital that health professionals – including those who have undertaken online nutrition courses – are equipped with the skills to manage children’s healthy eating habits as early as possible.

What Is Childhood Obesity?

The term basically refers to children having too much body fat or an abnormal amount of body fat. It occurs when the energy children get from what they consume is greater than the energy they output via growing and physical activities – the excess energy is then stored as fat.

Why Is Healthy Weight Important?

Maintaining a healthy weight is important to children’s health – both now and in the future – as it can reduce their chances of:

• being obese or overweight as an adult
• developing serious health problems during childhood, including type-2 diabetes, hip and joint problems and obstructive sleep apnoea
• suffering from social and emotional problems like depression, low self-esteem, eating disorders, poor body image and teasing and bullying
• suffering physical health problems as adults, including type-2 diabetes, skin disorders, heart disease, infertility and some types of cancer.

What Factors Influence It?

Many factors can put children and adolescents at a higher risk of becoming overweight and obese, and they include:

#1 – Unhealthy Food And Drink Choices

Healthy nutritious foods include fruit and veggies, reduced-fat dairy products and protein-rich foods like fish, eggs, legumes and lean meat and chicken. Tap water and reduced-fat milk are the healthiest drinks for children. Children and adolescents need to eat different amounts of these foods at different ages, which is why health professionals should follow the recommended Australian dietary guidelines.

#2 – A Lack Of Physical Activity

Children need to be as physically active as possible as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. This includes walking and playing outdoors, as these activities can use up their excess energy and decrease their stress levels. Physical activity can also prevent health issues and disease, and give children the chance to socialise with other children.

#3 – The Influence Of Family Role Models

Children are more likely to be active and make healthy food choices if they see their parents and other influencers doing the same. Young children, in particular, do as adults do, so modelling healthy eating and regular exercise can have a huge impact.

#4 – Family History And Medical Factors

Lifestyle factors can affect children’s health, but so can things like our genes. Some children are at greater risk of obesity because their genes can make them gain weight more easily, or because they have existing health problems or take certain medications.

#5 – Other Factors

Busy family lifestyles, a lack of outdoor space and too much screen time can make it harder for children to be active, which makes it easier for them to overeat. Sleep problems are also a risk factor in terms of childhood obesity, so it’s important to promote regular and adequate sleep as part of a healthy lifestyle.

The Healthy Eating Pyramid

The Healthy Eating Pyramid was first introduced by Nutrition Australia in 1980. It was designed as a simple, conceptual model to encourage Australians to eat a varied and balanced diet in line with the current dietary guidelines. Since then, the Pyramid has continued to evolve, with the latest version being launched in 2015.

It’s a great visual guide for health professionals – including those who are undertaking online nutrition courses – that outlines the types and proportions of foods we should eat every day for good health.

The Concept

The Healthy Eating Pyramid contains the five core food groups (plus healthy fats) and is based on their contribution to a balanced diet based on the Australian Dietary Guidelines from 2013. The layers represent the recommended food intake for 19 to 50-year-olds, however, the placement and proportions of each food group are generally applicable to everyone aged from one to 70. Australians should enjoy a variety of foods from each of the food groups every single day (something you’ll learn about very quickly when you study online nutrition courses!).

The Layers

The foundation layers of the Pyramid include the three plant-based food groups – fruits, vegetables, and legumes and grains. They make up the largest portion because they should be 70% of our diet! These foods contain a wide variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and they’re also our main source of fibre and carbohydrates. In terms of grains, whole grains (like brown rice, oats and wholegrain varieties of bread, pasta etc.) should be chosen over refined, highly processed options.

The middle layer includes things like milk, cheese, yoghurt and their alternatives, and poultry, lean meat, fish, nuts, seeds, legumes and eggs. The dairy category provides us with protein, calcium and other vitamins and minerals, and it can also refer to non-dairy options like rice, soy or cereal milks. Reduced-fat options are also recommended in this group. The second category contains our main sources of protein, which provides nutrients like iron, zinc, iodine, healthy fats and B12 vitamins. Everyone should aim to have a variety of meat and non-meat options from this category.

The top layer refers to healthy fats, as opposed to saturated or trans fats. Small amounts of these are needed every day to support brain function and heart health. Unrefined polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats can come from plant sources like nut, seed and extra virgin olive oils. Healthy fats are also found in other food groups like nuts, seeds, fish and avocadoes.

Other Recommendations

The Healthy Eating Pyramid also reminds us to limit our intake of sugar and salt, which is linked to an increased risk of some diseases. This means avoiding adding sugar or salt to food when we’re cooking or eating and consuming drinks and packaged foods that have sugar or salt added to their ingredients.

In terms of salt, we do need small amounts for good health, however, too much of it is linked to a risk of high blood pressure which can lead to kidney and heart disease.

In terms of sugars, most vegetables, fruits, legumes and unsweetened dairy foods contain small amounts of naturally occurring sugars which aren’t harmful. However, consuming a lot of added sugars can add extra kilojoules, lead to weight gain and increase the risk of developing type-2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.

In terms of drinks, water is best! It keeps us hydrated and supports other essential functions in the body, so sugary options like soft drinks and sports and energy drinks should be avoided.

Little bodies need lots of the good stuff and less of the bad stuff. So if you’re keen to have a positive impact on the future health of our children, our Certificate of Child Nutrition is a fantastic place to start!

Play therapy helps to reduce or eliminate negative or unhelpful behaviours while encouraging the use of positive, more adaptive ones. A play therapy course is useful for parents and carers. It is also valuable professional development in health care, counselling, teaching, and in the toy and gaming sector.

In undertaking a play therapy course, you will learn to encourage healing in children and adults experiencing physical, mental, or emotional trauma. This type of therapy, like other therapies, help to improve mood, coping skills, problems solving, self-awareness, social skills and more. 

The Certificate of Play Therapy is an online play therapy course that will teach you how to apply play therapy to help those with mental health conditions and developmental disorders to regain their motivation and emotional stability. You will also discover how play therapy can help with dementia, family problems and grief and loss

In this play therapy course, you discover the foundations of play therapy. You will also learn how to create the right environment and choose the right toys, materials, and activities to suit a specific client and more.

Learning Outcomes

• The purpose of using play therapy, the potential of what it might achieve, and determine situations where it is appropriate to use it as a therapeutic technique.
• The therapeutic play continuum, applications of play and play therapy, play therapy tools, advantages and issues arising in therapy.
• How play therapy can be used to help children with emotional disturbances, such as depression and anxiety disorders.
• In what way play therapy can be used to help children with behavioural disorders such as conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder and problems with anger and impulse control.
• By what means play therapy can be used to treat developmental disorders such as autism, intellectual disability and learning disorders.
• A range of different but closely related therapies including music, art, and drama therapy, and techniques used in these therapies which are incorporated into play therapy.
• How play can be used in occupational therapy and other contexts to help people manage or rehabilitate from physical and mental disabilities, and the role of science and technology.
• Determine appropriate uses of play therapy for children suffering from social and family-related problems such as grief and loss, crises such as divorce, and trauma-related issues.
• Understand the uses of play therapy to assist adult populations with specific emotional and psychological problems which can benefit from play.

What is Play Therapy? 

Psychology Today defines play therapy as a ‘psychotherapeutic approach used primarily to help children ages 3 to 12 explore their lives and freely express repressed thoughts and emotions through play. 

‘Therapeutic play usually takes place in a safe, comfortable playroom, where very few rules or limits are imposed on the child, encouraging free expression, and allowing the therapist to observe the child’s choices, decisions, and play style.

‘The goal is to help children learn to express themselves in healthier ways, become more respectful and empathetic, and discover new and more positive ways to solve problems.’

What are the Benefits of Play Therapy? 

You’ll discover a wide range of benefits derived from play therapy in play therapy courses, including: 

• Improved mood and positive feelings
• Better coping skills
• Enhanced problem solving
• Less internal conflict and stress
• Greater self-awareness
• Increased impulse control
• Appropriate emotional expression
• Improved verbal skills
• Better communication
• Improved social skills
• Increased confidence and self-esteem
• Greater trust of others
• Increased maturity

Types of Play Therapy Toys

The most popular type of play therapy toys falls into three categories, including real-life; expressive and creative; and aggressive-emotional release. 

Child-centred play therapy clinician Dr Garry Landreth recommends therapists include several toys from each category. 

Real Life

• Play kitchens and play food
• Doctor kits and band-aids
• Dolls and Dollhouses
• Animals, Cars, Trucks, People
• Cash Register and Play Money

Expressive and Creative 

• Art supplies
• Paint
• Play-doh/clay
• Dress ups
• Puppets and Puppet Shows
• Sand 
• Water

Aggressive and Emotional Release

• Toy guns (plastic, not real-looking)
• Fake/plastic swords
• Army soldiers
• Rubber knives
• Rope
• Aggressive puppets (sharks, dinosaurs, crocodiles)

How Can Play Therapy Help Adults?

It’s easy to overlook the relevance of play in treating adult clients. After all, isn’t play the work of children? In many ways, teenagers and adults can benefit from re-learning the value of play.

Playful exploration enhances both cognitive and physical behaviours in adult clients. In fact, research from the fields of neurophysiology and molecular biology support play therapy as a therapeutic tool for adults. 

Of course, play therapy may not suit all adult clients. But, play therapy shouldn’t be automatically ruled out as developmentally inappropriate without proper assessment and consideration.

Play therapy takes the view that adults retain child-like representations of the world and can make use of non-verbal expression. As such, adults of all ages can get in touch with their inner-child and work through trauma or issues stemming from childhood.

The benefits of play therapy for adults include enhanced relationships, optimised learning, and better overall improve health and wellbeing.

Play therapy with adults may be at its most successful when used in alongside other types of treatment.

Adults with the following conditions may benefit from play therapy.

• Dementia 
• Grief and loss
• Arrested emotional development
• Problems associated with developmental disorders 
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder 
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Play Therapy is a useful tool to have in your professional toolkit, especially if you work in a counselling role. It’s also ideal personal development for anyone working with or caring for children, including parents. Discover the Certificate of Play Therapy today and unlock the power of play. 

Experts are predicting strong growth in the health and fitness sector over the next five years, particularly for those who have undertaken personal training courses. Job opportunities are also increasing in line with society’s awareness of the health benefits of physical activity and growth in health consciousness.

Because this sector is also not clearly defined, it overlaps into many fields including medicine, natural therapies, sports, recreation, tourism and education … so the career possibilities are endless! 

Our new course, the Certificate of Health and Fitness, is ideal for anyone keen to improve their own wellbeing as well as help others achieve their health goals. This includes personal trainers, gym and group instructors, fitness services coordinators, or those who work in other health and fitness-related sectors.

Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes achieved by undertaking personal training courses include: 

• Exploring the scope and nature of the health and fitness industry 
• Studying the definition of fitness 
• Learning about the components of physical fitness 
• Gaining access to health and fitness resources 
• Studying health and fitness organisations
• Gaining insights into exercise physiology
• Learning about muscle and muscle contraction
• Exploring fast and slow muscle 
• Studying how exercise affects muscles 
• Examining pulse rate and the cardiorespiratory system
• Learning about energy and enzymes 
• Exploring food as an energy source 
• Studying the recommended daily intake of nutrients
• Gaining an understanding of respiration and exercise recovery
• Examining exercise principles and cardiorespiratory programming
• Gaining insights into the relationship between heart rate and workload 
• Learning about the biology of the circulatory system
• Exploring blood composition, blood functions and blood vessels
• Studying the heart, pulse rate and cardiac output 
• Examining heart disease and cardiovascular disease 
• Gaining insights into the spleen and the lymphatic system
• Learning about biomechanics and risk
• Exploring the skeleton and the muscular system in terms of risk
• Studying the risks involved with training
• Gaining an understanding of the common musculoskeletal injuries
• Examining back and spinal injuries
• Gaining insight into how to prevent injury
• Learning about fitness program design and the typical process
• Exploring the kinds of exercise used in a fitness program
• Studying how to develop the physique and provide a balanced program
• Gaining an understanding of indoor and outdoor locations and the equipment and music needed
• Learning how to deliver a fitness program
• Exploring fitness leader functions including teaching, counselling, motivation and evaluation
• Studying leadership communication and the barriers to communication 
• Gaining an understanding of how to communicate with children and young people
• Examining communication techniques including whistling and raising an arm
• Gaining insights into motivation including intrinsic and extrinsic motivation 
• Learning about the factors that affect motivation
• Exploring self-belief and self-talk
• Gaining an understanding of relationships with your participants 
• Gaining insights into motivating for fitness and weight control
• Learning about nutrition and sport 
• Exploring sports psychologists and fitness programs
• Studying the elements of a session or class and how to deliver and conclude them
• Gaining insights into how to write an exercise program
• Learning how to support participants’ needs 
• Exploring communication strategies including active listening and reinforcement
• Studying how to deal with problems and conflict 
• Understanding safety, injury and general wellbeing
• Examining safety considerations including those in aerobic activities 
• Gaining insights into dealing with injuries including giving First Aid 
• Learning about occupational health and safety regulations
• Studying how to identify hazards and the legalities of the fitness sector 
• Gaining insights into how to pre-screen clients
• Learning about suitable surfaces, clothing and footwear 
• Exploring anthropometric measurements 
• Studying cancer and general wellbeing when it comes to fitness 
• Gaining an understanding of fitness programs for special groups
• Understanding inclusive program management 
• Examining exercise variables including frequency, duration and intensity
• Gaining insights into training zones 
• Learning how to deliver programs for older adults 
• Studying how to deliver programs for those with physical and mental disabilities 
• Understanding how to deliver programs for ethnic groups 
• Examining the principals of weight control and how to deliver weight control programs
• Learning how to evaluate cardiorespiratory and muscular strength and endurance

Australia’s Top 5 Fitness Influences on Instagram

Many personal trainers these days are more than just influencers, they’re downright celebrities! The following fitness gurus are fantastic examples of how personal training courses can ignite your passion, and you can use your knowledge to launch an Insta-worthy business! 

#1 – Kayla Itsines – over 12 million followers 

Kayla began her fitness journey in 2008 after graduating from a PT course. Her business includes a series of fitness E-books, and a meal planning and workout app called Sweat with Kayla. Kayla has inspired thousands of women to achieve their ‘bikini-confident body’ and believes that healthy eating is a vital part of weight loss.

#2 – Tammy Hembrow – over 11 million followers 

Tammy and her sister Emilee have combined their skills to develop a global, multi-million dollar health, fitness and fashion business empire. The sisters are the creators of the Tammy Fit app, which is used by nearly half a million people worldwide, and they also have a leisure clothing line known as the Saski Collection. 

#3 – Emily Skye – over 2 million followers 

Fitness model Emily shows women of all ages and body types how to tone, trim and shape their entire bodies via motivational exercise videos and nutritionist-developed meal plans. Her workouts can be done both in and out of the gym, and she is a prime example of how personal training courses can lead to a successful career in the industry.

#4 – Amanda Bisk – over 720K followers 

Amanda was previously a Commonwealth Games pole vaulter, and national high jumper and gymnast at the West Australian Institute of Sport. She now brings all of her training and knowledge to her work as a coach and fitness trainer. Her personal mantra is to lead, learn and love your active journey empowered with health, balance and happiness.

#5 – Dan Conn – over 290K followers

A former NRL star who played for the Gold Coast Titans, Sydney City Roosters and Canterbury Bulldogs, Dan is passionate about the future of the health and fitness industry. After being sidelined with a neck injury, Dan decided to share his knowledge of fitness and extends his reach through modelling, social media and TV commercials.

Characteristics Of Good Personal Trainers 

Personal training courses can equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to work in the sector, but what other characteristics make for a good personal trainer?

They Have Experience 

One of the most important qualities of a good PT, many trainers will attest to having learnt a lot about what they know from achieving their own fitness goals. From tailored exercises to technique, rest times, and sets and reps – they have probably gone through the motions thousands of times before! And if their venue of choice is a gym, they would have also had the bonus of sharing what they have (or haven’t) learnt with similarly motivated people, including qualified trainers.

They Care About Your Goals 

Whether a client’s fitness goals are weight-related, sports-driven or simply a need for a healthier lifestyle, it’s a PT’s job to motivate clients in ways they couldn’t achieve themselves. Many PT’s are on a long-term journey with their clients to meet personal training goals, and in fact, clients are a reflection of their PT’s work. Successes and failures are shared, and they will invest in them as much as their clients do. 

They Have Great Communication Skills 

There is no point in a trainer spouting textbook moves or medical phrases that their clients don’t understand – it just leads to confusion, frustration and a lack of motivation. Good PT’s should be able to communicate their knowledge – ideally learned from personal training courses – inefficient and straightforward terms. Communication should also be two-way in that clients should feel comfortable talking to their trainer about their goals before, during and after their sessions.

They Know Their Limitations 

Great PT’s should be honest about understanding any limitations in their own expertise. Trainers come from a variety of backgrounds and have experience in different areas. These range from nutrition, rehabilitation and strength and conditioning to group training and even yoga and pilates. Because it is unwise to give recommendations on subjects they are not qualified in, PT’s should also have alliances with medical and other allied health professionals to arm themselves with accurate and up-to-date information. 

They Practise What They Preach 

For clients to have complete faith in their PT, they need to see that they care as much about their physical health as they demand! They need to personally understand what it’s like to train hard and be disciplined about their fitness. However, fitness isn’t just about the perfect physical body. In other words, it’s not just what they look like, but what they should be like. They should have knowledge, integrity, character and passion. And more importantly, they should want to help clients achieve a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. 

They Make Excercise Enjoyable

Training sessions should be fun, and something clients look forward to rather than dread. Good PT’s will encourage and clients to train beyond their capabilities, so they are challenged. Patience is also a key to a great client-trainer relationship, as achieving fitness certainly doesn’t happen overnight! Tailoring sessions to a client’s individual needs will ensure they are not pushed beyond their limits, which can cause frustration, let alone exhaustion. Ultimately, it’s a fine balance between trust, understanding and compromise.

They Are Adequately Trained 

This is undoubtedly the most important quality as PT’s need to be able to help clients achieve their goals safely and professionally. Personal training courses can assist those who are keen to work in the sector in a variety of ways. They help PT’s stand out as experts by understanding how the body works, and they can look for warning signs that certain actions could compromise a client’s wellbeing. Ultimately, having skills and knowledge in health and fitness helps trainers not just talk the talk, but walk the talk! 

Keen to develop and operate a health and fitness program for individual or groups that will positively change people’s lives? Get your career up and running with our Certificate of Health and Fitness!

Because every learner is different, successful teaching strategies requires an understanding of both content and people. Teachers need to recognise how people learn, how to encourage and motivate, and how to adapt to a variety of classroom scenarios. 

Successful teaching also involves the ability to develop teaching-learning relationships via clear communication. If this process results in a student being able to communicate their needs successfully, then their ability to learn will be improved. And that’s a big tick!  

This course – Developing Your Teaching Skills – is ideal for those keen to increase their personal development and teaching strategies in the education space, including principals, teachers and teacher’s aids.

Learning Outcomes

Online teaching resources provide a wealth of knowledge, including developing your skills with a teaching course online. This includes:

• Learning about interpersonal communication in education
• Exploring the basic principles of communication
• Studying both verbal and non-verbal communication
• Understanding the factors affecting communication
• Gaining an understanding of reactive patterns
• Examining self-awareness and communication
• Gaining insights into intentions
• Learning about the optimum teacher/student ratios
• Exploring the factors affecting communication in a classroom
• Studying student diversity
• Gaining an understanding of student expectations
• Examining teachers’ needs and expectations
• Gaining insights into society and culture in teaching 
• Learning about communication and education approaches
• Exploring teacher-centred and student-centred learning
• Studying the verbal skills needed for classroom teaching
• Gaining insights into questioning skills
• Learning about the elements of lecturing how to lecture 
• Developing your listening skills
• Studying the stages of listening
• Gaining an understanding of the key listening elements in a classroom
• Understanding the obstacles to listening
• Examining anxiety, bias, selective attention, negativity and lack of interest in terms of listening
• Gaining insights into listening skills including active and empathetic listening
• Learning about how children respond to received communications
• Understanding motivation
• Examining what motivation is 
• Exploring the variables of motivation
• Studying the theories of motivation, including Maslow’s theory
• Examining primary and unlearned motivators
• Learning about secondary or learned motivators
• Gaining insights into motivation and anxiety or distress
• Studying the motivational factors for success
• Examining internal and external incentives
• Learning about the relational nature of incentives
• Studying how to enhance intrinsic motivators
• Examining social reinforcers as incentives
• Gaining insights into the influence of groups on individual motivation
• Exploring the notion of social loafing
• Learning how to apply motivation to education 
• Exploring motivation, goals and expectations
• Studying vicious and virtuous cycles
• Gaining an understanding of practical applications for motivation
• Discovering how to assess a person’s current situation
• Gaining insights into dealing with emotions
• Learning how to identify existing barriers to learning
• Exploring how to establish goals and priorities
• Studying how to locate and apply useful resources
• Gaining an understanding of stress management
• Examining the flight or fight response
• Gaining insights into long term learning problems 
• Learning about what happens when a person is stressed
• Exploring a stress management program
• Studying conflict management 
• Understanding what conflict is 
• Gaining insights into conflict handling techniques
• Learning how to deal with anger in others
• Exploring how to modify anger 
• Examining how role-play can help with conflict management
• Gaining insights into mediation and negotiation
• Understanding what negotiation is
• Gaining insights into establishment and community groups
• Learning how to undertake a joint problem-solving approach
• Exploring effective negotiating behaviour
• Studying a mediator’s responsibilities
• Examining facilitation and the attributes of a good facilitator
• Gaining insights into the balance of power and power imbalance
• Learning about group work and discussion
• Exploring conflict training exercises

Key Characteristics of Effective Teachers 

According to a study done by the University of Melbourne in 2018, 11 teacher characteristics are directly associated with teacher, student and school outcomes. These can be used to formulate valuable teaching strategies, and they include: 

#1 – Cognitive Capability

Cognition in this study isn’t focused on ‘intelligence’, but on broader attributes associated with the teacher and their personality. These include:

• Credibility. Teachers with credibility tend to adopt a clear, responsive and assertive communication style that involves interacting with students and other teachers in ways that support student learning. They also come across as social, composed and caring to students and colleagues. 

• Creativity, insight and imagination. Teachers defined as creative work with existing knowledge in unique and innovative ways, and introduce new processes that result in improved student learning. They also tend to have a strong emotional investment in their students and encourage ‘possibility thinking’ and inclusivity in their classrooms. 

• Judgement and decision-making ability. Teachers who possess this characteristic make decisions and develop strategies based on balanced and evidence-based methods, and regularly reflect on their own teaching practices and techniques.

#2 – Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), and Competence

There are five SEL competencies that comprise this characteristic, and these include:

• Self-awareness
• Self-management
• Social awareness
• Relationship skills 
• Responsible decision-making

Teachers with high social and emotional competence make responsible decisions, recognise and understand other people’s emotions, engage in behaviours that benefit others, and are skilled at managing their own behaviour and their relationships with others.

#3 – Self-efficacy

Self-efficacy can be defined as “the belief in one’s capabilities to organise and execute the courses of action required to manage prospective situations”. It sounds complicated, but it refers to a teacher’s belief in their ability to impact student learning and other outcomes. Teachers with this characteristic believe: 

• Their relationships and engagement with students are meaningful and important.
• Their relationships and engagement with students is part of their professional responsibility.
• Goal setting and professional development and learning is valuable.
• Involving students in goal setting and class decision making is important. 

#4 – Communication

Teaching primarily revolves around instructional communication, which is ‘the role of communication in the teaching of all subjects at all levels’. Communication can be verbal, co-verbal, or non-verbal communication, and all are important for teachers. It involves: 

• Rhetorical communication techniques – which include clarity, communicating relevance and using humour
• Relational communication techniques – which include listening, immediacy and manipulating presentation styles

Non-verbal communication is also an important aspect of communication, and this includes:

• Proxemics – proximity to students and a teacher’s use of space
• Co-verbal behaviours – eye contact, physical gestures, body language and facial expressions
• Paralanguage – voice volume, pitch and rhythm
• Appearance – good grooming and overall physical presentation

#5 – Motivation

Motivation can be defined as ‘the energy or drive that moves people to do something by nature’. In the context of teaching, it can be defined as the reasons an individual chooses to teach, and the reasons a teacher sustains or continues to teach. 

Motivated teachers: 

• Are influenced by several factors, including students themselves.
• Are enthusiastic about their students.
• Have a positive view of their abilities and their work.
• Are keen to develop competence and knowledge in their teaching skills. 
• Effectively navigate setbacks and challenges. 

#6 – Cultural Competence

Cultural competence and culturally responsive teaching strategies are an important characteristic of effective teachers. It is characterised by teaching practices as well as a teacher’s values, attitudes and their knowledge relating to culture. 

Teachers with this characteristic:

• Recognise a student’s intellectual capabilities, prior accomplishments and their personal and cultural strengths
• Embrace diversity, the ‘culture of power’ and the enablement of cultural identity development
• Build effective relationships and deliver relevant and authentic learning 

#7 – Personality 

‘Personality’ is a combination of qualities or characteristics that make up an individual’s character. Experts believe a teacher’s personality is an underlying core factor influencing their performance. 

Teachers with this characteristic exhibit: 

• Agreeableness – they actively listen and engage in conversations.
• Extraversion – they enjoy being around people more than being alone.
• Conscientiousness – they complete quality tasks with efficiency. 

Personality traits include being talkative, caring, affectionate, sociable, good-natured, trusting, unselfish, kind, composed and emotionally expressive …. with a sense of humour! 

#8 – Self-Reflection and Reflection

Teacher self-reflection is defined as the ability to identify one’s strengths and weaknesses, adapt to change and correct mistakes accordingly. 

Teachers’ reflective practice: 

• Encourages self-assessment.
• Enables them to react to personal concerns and learning experiences.
• Helps them elaborate on learning theories and philosophies with other colleagues.
• Allows them to contemplate problems, personal insights, training and future goals.

#9 –Collegiality

Collegiality, as a characteristic, is defined by the ability of a teacher to encourage, display optimism about and build collaborative relationships. It also involves teachers: 

• Being given opportunities for continued development
• Being able to grow, both personally and professionally 
• Viewing themselves as lifelong learners
• Working with other teachers to develop curriculums

#10 – Attitudes, Beliefs, and Expectations

The definition of this characteristic is relatively straightforward and focuses on positive teacher beliefs and expectations. Both of these are interrelated and are influenced by attitudes. Teacher beliefs and expectations comprise: 

• The belief in the power and importance of accomplished teaching. 
• The exploration and achievement of all students’ potential.
• An ambitious vision for all students’ long-term success. 
• The communication of expectations to students via daily goals. 

#11 – Values, Moral and Ethics

Values, morals and ethics reflect various elements that make up a teacher’s personality and character. Basically, they revolve around: 

• The variety of beliefs and virtues that teachers may hold about issues such as religion or environmental issues
• Beliefs and virtues that extend to a teacher’s ethics and morality
• Virtues which ‘contribute to the flourishing, or well-being of individuals and society’, including their students!

Whether you’re homeschooling or keen to update your teaching skills for more effective student experience, Developing Your Teaching Skills For Success will equip you with a range of valuable teaching strategies.

Offering counselling in a crisis is a unique and valuable skill. Most crises are part of people’s everyday life experiences. However, some crises require expert intervention. These include mental illness, relationship issues, various kinds of loss and events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chronic exposure to stress or trauma can lead to mental illness. So counsellors must have the skills and knowledge to help clients cope. This enables them to offer assistance around resources, assistance, support and stabilisation. 

If you are working in or planning to work in counselling, psychotherapy, psychology or a health profession or caring role, counselling courses online – like our new Certificate of Crisis Counselling – can broaden your counselling repertoire.

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding the methods of crisis intervention 
• Learn about situational and existential crises
• Study crises responses and intervention 
• Gain an understanding of who provides crisis intervention?
• Examine how to respond to a crisis and the problems that might be encountered
• Gain insights into useful definitions for crisis intervention
• Learn about critical incident stress management (CISM)
• Explore stress, psychological and critical incident stress debriefings (CISD)
• Study law enforcement personnel and CISD
• Understand the criticisms of psychological debriefing and CISD
• Examine the ethical, professional and legal issues involved with crisis counselling
• Gain insights into professional responsibilities and Duty of Care 
• Learn about conflicts of interest and sexual exploitation
• Explore group counselling
• Understand diminished capacity
• Examine cultural issues and respect
• Gain insights into client records and confidentiality
• Learn about dual relationships
• Explore professional consultation and professional and specialist skills
• Study how to support people who are grieving
• Gain an understanding of suicide 
• Learn how to deal with anger 
• Gain insights into referral and termination 
• Study dependency
• Gain insights into ending the counselling process
• Explore the dangers of crises and effective intervention 
• Examine transference and counter-transference
• Study suicide, the types of suicide and suicide intervention
• Examine suicide and autonomy and professional ethics and suicide
• Gain insights into risks to the professional
• Undertake a case study of the South Asian tsunami
• Learn how to debrief the de-briefer
• Explore developmental crises including situational crises
• Study Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development model
• Learn about teenage crises, the causes and interventions and grief as a unique adolescent experience
• Examine how children cope with disaster and crisis
• Study the differences in grief 
• Gain insights into grief and children and preparing a child for the death
• Explore the area of sudden deaths and what happens after a death 
• Learn about childhood responses to grief and how to support a grieving child
• Study children with severe problems with loss and grief 
• Understand what is OK and what is not OK
• Gain insights into the common symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Examine the types of PTSD and the components of treatment
• Learn about avoidance and PTSD 
• Explore common responses to sexual assault 
• Study sexual assault trauma syndrome
• Gain an understanding of assault grief
• Learn about male survivors of sexual assault
• Study stalking, pursuit behaviour and false stalking syndrome
• Gain insights into sexual abuse counselling
• Study terrorist attacks, violent attacks and how violence can affect the victim
• Learn about crisis and drug addiction
• Explore the traumatic effects that lead to drug abuse
• Understand why people use drugs and the symptoms
• Gain insights into men, depression and substance abuse
• Study disasters and substance abuse or dependence
• Learn about PTSD and alcohol abuse
• Explore effect treatment patterns
• Examine family crises including child abuse, stranger abusers and the triggers 
• Study transitions including grandparenthood 
• Gain an understanding of PTSD and the family
• Explore whether counselling and therapy culture-bound
• Examine culture shock and dealing with cultural change
• Study the traumatic stress reactions
• Learn about crisis intervention
• Understand behaviours and the recovery process 

Tips For Managing Mental Health During COVID-19 

The outbreak of the coronavirus, COVID-19, has impacted people in a variety of ways on a global scale. And it is understandable that during times like these, people are feeling a range of emotions – afraid, anxious, overwhelmed, depressed and even bored.

This is also heightened excessive media coverage and the continually changing alerts regarding the spread of the virus. Practising social distancing, self-isolation and/or quarantining can also be stressful and impact our mental health. Here are some tips on how to look after yourself and others during these difficult times, and where to find support if you need it.

What You Can Do For You

In terms of mental health, it’s essential to stay positive – as much as the situation is unpleasant, it will pass. Following a ‘calm yet cautious’ approach is also helpful – this includes observing good hygiene habits and following medical advice and directives issued by the Government. 

You should also try and be mindful not to contribute to widespread panic that hinders efforts that can positively affect the outbreak. This includes limiting ‘panic buying’ and managing your exposure to media coverage by relying on reputable and accurate sources of information. We have added a list of these at the end of this blog.

COVID-19 doesn’t discriminate – it can affect anyone regardless of their gender, age or ethnicity. So it’s crucial we realise we can also cope if we connect and support others with kindness and compassion. Sticking to a routine and keeping busy by reading, watching movies and even learning a new skill can be beneficial as well.

If COVID-19 has forced you to work from home, you’re probably dealing with additional challenges. Read about how to manage your mental health when working remotely here. 

What You Can Do For Others 

Staying connected with friends and family, whether it’s by email, phone or video can also offset negative mental health impacts in others. If you think someone is struggling in social isolation – like a neighbour, for example – reach out to them. Never underestimate the power the hope you can offer has to another person. It can be as easy as sending an email, leaving a note under their door or calling them to check on their welfare.

You can also stay connected by getting creative with your interactions, particularly if you are self-isolating. Setting daily digital challenges (like sharing a creative pursuit, a mindful practice or a healthy habit) with a friend or group that shares similar interests can increase motivation. 

Or you can join your local community’s social media group, which will keep you up to date with what’s happening in your neighbourhood. It might also be a chance to easily offer support to those that are finding it hard to cope. These types of strategies help both parties, so it’s a win-win! 

What You Can Do For Your Children

Children are particularly vulnerable during challenging times like these, and it understandable given they are seeing and hearing a lot about COVID-19 that they may not understand. If possible, try to minimise their exposure to the media and give them extra reassurance and attention. This includes taking the time to talk and encouraging them to share their feelings. 

You can start by finding out what they know and whether they have any questions. Then use a calm, reassuring tone to point out the facts. For younger children, it’s best to keep it brief and straightforward. For older ones, offer more detail. If children are frightened or worried, ask them how they’re feeling, and share your feelings and the strategies you are using to cope. You can read more about talking to your children about COVID-19 here.

What You Can Do For Older People

People aged 70 years or older or 65 years or older with chronic medical conditions are one of the most vulnerable groups in terms of catching COVID-19. That’s why social distancing and self-isolation is recommended. The Government has placed limits on visits to the elderly, including those in aged care facilities. However, these measures can leave older people feeling lonely and isolated, and it can have negative impacts on their mental health.

One simple way you can assist is by checking in with them regularly. Offering to help with a trip to the supermarket or chemist on their behalf can also help those who can’t go out on their own. If this is not possible, the Government’s My Aged Care website has put in place arrangements to help older people access food and essential household items. This includes an agreement with some supermarkets for priority ordering and delivering. Other general tips can be found on the Aged Care Guide website.

Helping older people become established online, and accessing video call services like Skype or FaceTime can also be valuable. Be Connected has some great resources designed to help them develop their online and digital skills.

If you are regularly in contact with someone living with dementia, it’s also important to maintain communication as much as possible. Resources like Dementia Australia’s website can help carers, family and friends assist during this challenging time. 

Reputable Sources Of Information

Australian Department of Health

World Health Organisation 

Smart Traveller

Where To Go For Support 

Lifeline:

Phone: 13 11 14 (24 hours/7 days)

Text: 0477 13 11 14 (6pm-midnight AEDT, 7 nights)

Webchat (7 pm-midnight, 7 nights)

Kids Helpline:

Phone: 1800 55 1800

Website 

Beyond Blue: 

Phone: 1300 22 4636

Website 

Head to Health: 

Website

SBS:

Assistance for non-English speaking Australians 

The effects of COVID-19 will be far-reaching and long-term. Up-skilling with counselling courses online like our Certificate of Crisis Counselling will allow you to offer front-line support for those most in need when it’s needed.

Herbal medicine courses will show you how this ancient form of healing is still relevant today. Medicinal herbs treat a multitude of ailments, from stomach-aches to insomnia and nervous conditions. 

The Certificate of Medicinal Herbs is an online program that will teach you about the different types of herbs and their medicinal properties, as well as how to grow, harvest and produce medicinal herbs. 

You will discover which soils are suited to grow herbs, as well as the water and fertiliser requirements. You will also learn to propagate herbs from seeds or cuttings, and control pests and diseases in your medicinal garden. 

On completion of herbal medicine courses, you should have a foundation knowledge of how to identify, grow, harvest, and use medicinal herbs. So, make sure you choose herbal medicine courses wisely. 

Take a look at what you’ll learn in the Certificate of Medicinal Herbs. 

Learning Outcomes 

• Identify and grow over 100 different medicinal herbs.
• Learn how herbal medicines are used and prepared.
• Understand problems associated with home use of certain herbs.
• Learn how to harvest herbs.
• Discover the types of herbal medicines and the chemical components of herbs.
• Learn about herbal preparations.
• Understand safety and caution with using herbs, including what herbs are safer to use.
• Distinguish between medicinal herbs in cultivation, including twenty-five different genera and fifty different varieties.
• Discuss the history of medicinal herb usage.
• Compare the chemical components of different medicinal herbs in terms of their general affect on the human body.
• Prepare simple and safe herbal remedies in a domestic situation.
• Explain the potential dangers involved in dealing with plants.
• Prepare a schedule of cultural practices for a medicinal herb crop.
• Develop a production plan for a medicinal herb crop.
• Develop guidelines for the culture of a specified variety of medicinal herb.
• Explain natural pest and disease control methods.
• Prepare a sample of soil suitable for growing a specified herb variety.
• Demonstrate propagation techniques for five different medicinal herbs.
• Produce container plants of two different medicinal herbs, propagating and growing on the plants to a marketable stage and condition.
• Record the development of two medicinal herbs in a log.
• Develop a list of criteria for selecting the most commercially viable variety of a nominated medicinal herb species available.
• List thirty different varieties of a medicinal herb species which are readily available for purchase as “reliable” seed or tube stock.
• Compare different varieties of six nominated medicinal herb species to determine a commercially viable variety to grow in your locality.
• List tasks to be undertaken in the production of a selected medicinal herb variety, including *soil preparation *planting *growing practices, *harvest and post-harvest.
• Write a production schedule for a medicinal herb variety which designates tasks to be undertaken systematically at each stage of crop development.
• Explain the facilities which would be required to produce a specified commercial medicinal herb crop, including *equipment *materials *land.
• Estimate the cost of producing a specified medicinal herb crop, itemising the cost components into at least five categories.
• …., and more.

9 of Nature’s Powerful Medicinal Herbs and Their Uses 

There are many beneficial herbs in nature’s garden. In herbal medicine courses, you will discover hundreds of medicinal herbs, but these nine are popular in holistically supporting health and wellbeing. 

1. St. John’s Wort 

St. John’s Wort, a perennial herb with yellow star-shaped flowers, has been used to treat nervous conditions for centuries. Today, this popular herb is still a holistic remedy for mild depression.

The Black Dog Institute Fact Sheet reports that ‘There have been many clinical studies comparing the effectiveness of St John’s wort with placebos and antidepressant medication. Most have found the herbal remedy to be superior to placebo and equivalent to standard antidepressants for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. However, it is unlikely to be effective in the treatment of melancholic (biological) depression.’

Fascinating Fact: St. John’s wort can interfere with the effects of many prescription medicines.

St. John’s Wort Could Be Useful For:

• Mild depression 
• Symptoms of menopause 
• Wound healing 

2. Valerian 

Valerian, a herb native to Europe and Asia, is commonly used to treat symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, and stress. The popular herb seems to act as a sedative on the nervous system. The medicinal properties of this herb come from its root.

Fascinating Fact: In manufacturing, the extracts and oil made from valerian are flavouring in foods and beverages.

Valerian Could Be Useful For:

• Insomnia 
• Restlessness
• Anxiety 
• Stress 

3. Garlic 

Garlic, which is part of the onion family, is popular for both its distinctive flavour and health benefits. The health benefits of garlic are believed to derive from the sulphur compounds that it contains. 

Fascinating Fact: Garlic bulbs are highly nutritious, containing potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, beta-carotene, Vitamin C and more! 

 Garlic Could Be Useful For: 

• Boosting the immune system 
• Reducing blood pressure 
• Improving cholesterol levels 

4. Mint 

Mint is a popular herbal remedy, commonly used to ease upset stomachs, calm the digestive tract, reduce stress, and promote restful sleep. It is also popular as an addition to many a culinary dish and refreshments.

Fascinating Fact: Spearmint is beneficial to honeybees by cleaning out mites that infect their hives. 

Mint Could Be Useful For:

• Healthy digestion
• Stress 
• Anxiety 
• Restful sleep 

5. Sage 

Sage is part of the mint family and is well-known as a culinary and medicinal herb that’s packed with nutrients. It is an incredibly versatile herb that packs a powerful punch in soups, stews and in baking. Sage can be used fresh, dried, or ground for medicinal purposes. 

Fascinating Fact: According to studies, sage compounds may help fight signs of ageing, such as wrinkles. 

Sage Could Be Useful For: 

• Oral health 
• Menopausal symptoms (hot flushes) 
• Skin ageing 
• Lowering cholesterol 
• Memory
• Brain health 
• Blood sugar levels

6. Thyme 

Thyme is a Mediterranean herb with dietary, medicinal, and ornamental value. The flowers, leaves, and oil of thyme are used as a medicinal herb. 

Fascinating Fact: Thyme oil is often in mouthwashes as a germ-killer!

Thyme Could Be Useful For: 

• Bronchitis
• Stomach-ache 
• Diarrhea
• Sore Throat 
• Colic
• Arthritis 
• Skin disorders 
• Bad breath 
• Appetite stimulant 

7. Chamomile

Chamomile is a medicinal herb that has proven beneficial as a relaxant, carminative and anti-inflammatory. And it is an ancient therapeutic herb that treats ailments such as inflammation and insomnia. 

Fascinating Fact: The word chamomile is derived from Greek – chamos, meaning ‘ground’ and melos, meaning ‘apple.’ The name refers to the fact that the herb grows close to the ground and the flowers have a fresh apple scent. 

Could Be Useful For:

• Hay fever 
• Inflammation
• Muscle spasms 
• Menstrual disorders 
• Insomnia 
• Rheumatic pain 
• Gastrointestinal disorders  

8. Gingko 

Ginko is a large tree with fan-shaped leaves, Gingko is native to Japan, Korea, and China. Gingko is one of the oldest living trees, dating back 270 million years. As a medicinal herb, it is one of the world’s most popular supplements for its benefits to memory and cardiovascular function. 

Fascinating Fact: The Gingko tree can grow more than 40 metres tall and can live for over 1,000 years! 

Could Be Useful For: 

• Cognitive function 
• Anxiety
• Cardiovascular function
• Glaucoma 
• Sexual function 

9. Echinacea 

There are nine species of echinacea, which are native to North America. Echinacea is a popular medicinal herb for the common cold and other infections. This versatile plant may stimulate the immune system to fight infection more effectively. 

Fascinating Fact: Taking echinacea after you catch a cold shortens the duration of the illness.

Echinacea Could Be Useful For:

• Cold and flu symptoms 
• Blood sugar
• Anxiety 
• Blood pressure 
• Inflammation 

Herbal medicine courses are fascinating. So, if you’re interested in learning more about this ancient form of healing take a look at the Certificate of Medicinal Herbs!