Q: Why are lessons facilitated by an educator and not independently student-led?
A: Open Parachute lessons are designed to be facilitated by a teacher or counselor in a variety of classroom settings. Students do not log in to view or run the lessons themselves.
Let’s explore why:
Open Parachute lessons promote mental health skill development and real-world application. To do this it is very important that the educator creates and maintains a safe learning environment while students work cooperatively and collaboratively in discussions and activities. The educator will oversee the learning activities to ensure they run smoothly, so that students can be fully engaged in the learning process.
The topics, skills, and concepts in Open Parachute lessons are often new to students. It is best practice for an educator to guide students through this new content by consistently checking for understanding and answering questions as they organically arise. Note: All lessons contain an Educator Key or Guide to help educators facilitate lessons and guide students in their deep understanding of the material. Read more here: How To Use Keys.
Open Parachute lessons help students practice a variety of healthy relationship skills, including honest communication, empathy, and active listening. Students are not able to learn and master these skills if they are engaging in content through their own technology devices, rather than in a teacher-facilitated classroom environment.
Educators are better equipped to manage sensitive situations, navigate difficult discussions, and support students' engagement on mental health topics. If student learning were to happen independently, there would be no safeguards in place to ensure risk factors are mitigated in relation to sensitive topics.