Can Good Pedagogy Promote Mental Health? Mentalization, Epistemic Trust, and Learning in Higher Education
Welcome to the Flash Course “Can Good Pedagogy Promote Mental Health? Mentalization, Epistemic Trust, and Learning in Higher Education”! This online session invites educators, students, and those interested in education to reflect on the deep connections between pedagogical practices, mental health, and learning in higher education. Grounded in the concepts of mentalization and epistemic trust, the course offers a pedagogical perspective that highlights the importance of educational relationships, emotional safety, and learning environments that actively support psychological well-being. The session adopts a reflective and applied approach, combining conceptual framing with examples from higher education contexts. Participation is free, but registration is required.
This session includes Portuguese Sign Language (LGP) interpretation.
Content
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The meaning of mentalization and epistemic trust in educational contexts
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How pedagogical practices relate to student well-being and learning processes
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The role of the pedagogical relationship in motivation, engagement, and learning
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Teaching strategies that promote safety, trust, and emotional regulation
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Implications of these concepts for teaching and learning in higher education
Target Audience
Higher education teachers, students in education, psychology, or related fields, professionals interested in mental health promotion in educational settings, and anyone curious about how good pedagogy can act as a key resource for well-being and learning in higher education.
Motivation
Mental health in higher education is not shaped only by external support systems, but also by how teaching, communication, and pedagogical relationships are enacted. This course offers an integrated perspective that reframes pedagogy as an active contributor to well-being, trust, and meaningful learning, supporting more humane and sustainable educational environments.