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Dr Judith Howard

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is designed for teaching staff and education leaders who want to improve their professional practice. It may also be of interest to health and social care workers. For Australian educators, this course aligns with the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST): • 1.1, 1.2, 1.5 • 3.3, 3.5 • 4.1, 4.3, 4.4 •

Topics Covered

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Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is designed for teaching staff and education leaders who want to improve their professional practice. It may also be of interest to health and social care workers. For Australian educators, this course aligns with the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST): • 1.1, 1.2, 1.5 • 3.3, 3.5 • 4.1, 4.3, 4.4 •

Topics Covered

  • Attachment and trauma theories
  • The neuroscience behind the behaviours presented by students who have experienced complex trauma
  • The impact on those who support students who have experienced complex trauma
  • Strategies for minimising the risk to students in classrooms and schools
  • The importance of applying trauma-informed practice and programs in schools

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Reviews summary

Practical trauma-informed education strategies

According to learners, this course offers a deeply insightful and practical understanding of complex trauma, equipping educators and professionals with immediately applicable strategies. Students particularly praise its clear explanations of neuroscience behind behaviors and comprehensive coverage of trauma-informed practice. Many found it a revelation for understanding student behavior and highlighted the valuable focus on educator self-care. While some experienced learners noted aspects might be a bit basic for advanced practitioners, the course is consistently described as an essential and impactful foundation for anyone supporting students who have experienced trauma.
Highlights the importance of educator self-care.
"I particularly appreciated the focus on self-care for educators."
"The course also highlighted the critical need for self-care for educators, which is often overlooked."
"I valued the segment on supporting those who work with traumatized students, including self-care strategies."
Explains complex neuroscience simply and effectively.
"The neuroscience explanations were clear, and the strategies offered felt immediately applicable in my classroom."
"Very informative and well-structured. The neuroscience aspect was fascinating and explained simply."
"I found the neuroscience behind the behaviors presented by students who have experienced complex trauma clearly articulated."
Builds a solid understanding of complex trauma.
"It gave me the tools and understanding I needed to support students with challenging behaviors, recognizing the underlying trauma."
"Good foundational course for understanding complex trauma. I appreciated the focus on minimizing risk and creating a safe environment."
"I gained a solid foundation from completing this course, helping me rethink my approach."
Pacing may be slow for some; desires for more specific case studies.
"Some of the early modules felt a bit slow, covering ground I was already familiar with, but it built up nicely."
"I would have liked more case studies specific to high school settings, but the principles are universal."
"The discussion forums weren't as active as I hoped."
Content is introductory; may be basic for experts.
"The course has good intentions, but I found some of the content to be quite basic if you already have a background in psychology or social work."
"While the topic is crucial, I felt the course was too superficial. It provided a broad overview but didn't delve deep enough into specific interventions."
"It serves as a great starting point, but learners might need to seek out additional resources for advanced application."

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Teaching Students Who Have Suffered Complex Trauma. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Teaching Students Who Have Suffered Complex Trauma will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

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The German translation of Bowlby's seminal work on attachment theory, providing an accessible introduction to the theory for German-speaking readers.
This practical guide provides clinicians and researchers with a comprehensive overview of attachment theory, including its clinical applications and research methods.
Explores the role of adult attachment in couple relationships, drawing on research and theory. It valuable resource for understanding how early attachment experiences influence romantic partnerships. Useful for students and professionals interested in adult relationships.
This is the foundational text of Attachment Theory by its originator. It provides a comprehensive overview of the theory's initial formulation, drawing on ethology and developmental psychology. Essential for gaining a broad understanding of the topic and considered a classic in the field.
Details Mary Ainsworth's groundbreaking research, including the Strange Situation procedure, which provided empirical support for Bowlby's theory and identified different attachment styles. It is crucial for understanding the methodology and early findings in attachment research. Considered a classic and valuable reference for students and researchers.
Based on a series of lectures, this book offers a more accessible overview of Attachment Theory and its implications for healthy child development. It's a good starting point for those new to the topic and provides important guidelines derived from the theory. is considered a classic and is helpful for both academic and general audiences.
This comprehensive handbook is considered a state-of-the-science reference in the field. It covers the origins of the theory, cutting-edge research, and clinical applications. It is an invaluable resource for deepening understanding and exploring contemporary topics. Often used as a textbook in graduate programs and by professionals.
This popular book focuses on adult attachment styles and their impact on romantic relationships. It provides an accessible introduction to attachment theory for a broader audience and offers practical insights for improving relationships. While not a traditional academic text, it widely recommended and helpful resource for understanding adult attachment.
Translates attachment theory and research into a framework for adult psychotherapy. It is highly valuable for clinicians and advanced students seeking to apply attachment principles in therapeutic settings. It deepens understanding by exploring the clinical implications of different attachment patterns.
While not solely focused on attachment, this influential book explores the impact of trauma on the brain and body, including its profound effects on attachment. It provides crucial context for understanding how early experiences shape development and relationships. Essential for those interested in the intersection of trauma and attachment.
Applies attachment principles to parenting, helping caregivers understand how their own experiences influence their parenting style and their child's development. It provides practical strategies for fostering secure attachment. Useful for parents and professionals working with families.
Daniel Siegel explores the connection between relationships, brain development, and the mind, providing a neurobiological perspective on attachment. is valuable for deepening understanding by integrating attachment theory with neuroscience. Useful for students and professionals interested in the biological underpinnings of attachment.
Delves into the clinical applications of attachment theory, particularly within the context of mentalization-based treatment. It is geared towards clinicians and researchers, offering an advanced understanding of how attachment informs therapeutic interventions. Excellent for those seeking to deepen their clinical knowledge.
Allan Schore's work provides a deep dive into the neurobiology of emotional development and its link to attachment. is highly academic and focuses on the brain science behind attachment formation and its disorders. It key resource for those seeking an advanced, neuroscience-informed understanding.
Introduces the Polyvagal Theory, which offers a neurophysiological perspective on the biological underpinnings of social engagement, emotion regulation, and attachment. It provides a contemporary view that complements traditional attachment theory. Useful for those interested in the physiological aspects of attachment.
Offers practical guidance for understanding and improving adult attachment styles. It is aimed at a general audience but can be a valuable resource for professionals working with clients on relationship issues. It helps solidify understanding through applied examples and exercises.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history and development of Attachment Theory, including the lives and work of Bowlby and Ainsworth. It's an excellent resource for gaining a broad understanding of the field and its origins. Valuable as background reading for students.
Daniel Hughes presents an attachment-based model for treating children and adolescents with relational trauma and attachment difficulties. is highly practical for clinicians working with this population, offering specific therapeutic techniques. It demonstrates the application of attachment theory in a clinical context.
Focusing on mentalization, a concept closely related to attachment, this book provides a framework for understanding and treating a range of psychological difficulties. It is particularly relevant for clinicians and researchers interested in the link between attachment, mentalization, and psychopathology. Deepens understanding of a key related concept.

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