Unlock the Secret to Effective Online Therapy for Kids—The Croatian Success Story You Need to Know!
The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a swift adaptation in the way educational and therapeutic programs are delivered. One such adaptation is the hybrid implementation of the Lions Quest Skills for Adolescence (LQSFA) program in Croatia. This evidence-based social and emotional learning program has shown remarkable success, even when delivered online. Here’s what you need to know to leverage these insights for your own practice.
The Power of Evidence-Based Programs
The research article “Because This Is an Evidence-Based Program”: The Learning Experience of Croatia with the Lions Quest Skills for Adolescence, Implemented In-Person and Online provides compelling evidence on the effectiveness of LQSFA. Teachers in Croatia appreciated the structured, evidence-based nature of the program, which contrasted sharply with the ad hoc, non-systematic life skills sessions offered by other schools.
Here are the key takeaways:
- LQSFA empowers students and enhances student-student and student-teacher relationships.
- The program is tailored to fit the Croatian context, making it highly relevant and impactful.
- Teachers reported that students were excited and engaged during LQSFA sessions.
Unexpected Benefits for Parents
One surprising outcome of the hybrid implementation was the positive impact on parents. Due to the lockdown, parents were often in the same space as their children during online sessions. This passive exposure led to increased parental support and appreciation for the program. Parents reported that the skills taught, especially those related to stress management and coping strategies, were invaluable during the pandemic.
Improving the Assessment Process
While the LQSFA program was highly effective, the assessment process faced challenges. The questionnaire used to evaluate the program was lengthy and difficult for students to complete online. Teachers suggested reducing the number of questions to make the assessment more manageable and relevant.
Actionable Insights for Practitioners
Based on the Croatian experience, here are some actionable insights for practitioners looking to improve their online therapy services:
- Adopt Evidence-Based Programs: Programs like LQSFA that are backed by research can provide a structured and effective framework for social and emotional learning.
- Engage Parents: Use the hybrid model as an opportunity to involve parents in the learning process, thereby enhancing the program's impact.
- Streamline Assessments: Simplify assessment tools to ensure they are user-friendly and provide accurate data.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: “Because This Is an Evidence-Based Program”: The Learning Experience of Croatia with the Lions Quest Skills for Adolescence, Implemented In-Person and Online.
