Summary

In this study session, you have learned that:

1. Counselling is one of the approaches most frequently used in health education with individuals. Counselling means providing a choice for the individual who has a problem. During counselling the client will not be given advice or forced into a decision. Establishing a good relationship with the individual is vital to successful counselling.
2. In your group work you may use formal or informal groups to put across your health education messages. Formal groups usually have a purpose or goal that everyone in the group knows, accepts and tries to achieve by working together. Members of the group may feel a sense of belonging and welcoming.
3. Informal groups may still provide the opportunity for you to do some health education work, although they may have less of a feeling of belonging and less of a common interest amongst the group members.
4. When working with your various health education groups you will be aware of the group dynamics that govern the functioning of all groups.
5. School health education is any combination of learning experiences initiated by health professionals in the school setting that can develop the behavioural skills required to cope with challenges to health.