Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Development of Methodological Materials and Psychoeducation in the Placement of Psychology
Course Code
VPUPK_273
Branch of Science
Educational sciences; General Pedagogy
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Psychology
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Aira Aija Krūmiņa
Structure Unit Manager
Kristīne Mārtinsone
Structural Unit
Department of Psychology
Contacts
Riga, 5 J. Asara Street, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587
About Study Course
Objective
To develop the student’s ability to independently and ethically evaluate the psychoeducational needs of a specific target audience, to critically select and integrate the latest scientific findings, to develop and implement a well-founded psychoeducational programme and methodological materials in practice, as well as to evaluate the implementation of the programme and its results.
Preliminary Knowledge
Successfully completed study courses “Ethical and Legal Aspects of the Professional Activity of a Psychologist” and “Group Counselling”, as well as bachelor’s level knowledge in psychological theories, research methodology and the basics of psychological help. The ability to search for and critically evaluate scientific literature, to analyse the needs of the target audience, to cooperate in a group and to comply with professional ethics and personal data protection requirements is required.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Describes and compares the theoretical and empirical principles of developing psychoeducational programmes and methodological materials.
Individual work and tests
Presentation of the psychoeducational program project.
2.Explain the professional and ethical risks of psychoeducation and use the terminology of the field correctly.
Individual work and tests
Presentation of the psychoeducational program project.
Skills
1.Critically select and analyse recent scientific publications, justifying their use for a specific psychoeducational syllabus.
Individual work and tests
Literature review, analysis and evaluation.
2.Select the most appropriate methods for providing psychological support according to the set goal and tasks.
Individual work and tests
A psychoeducational programme in the final version.
3.Develops methodological materials, adapting their content, language and form to the specific target audience.
Individual work and tests
Placement report
4.Evaluate, provide and receive objective feedback in the education/training process.
Individual work and tests
Self-reflection in the context of impressions and observations of the work of colleagues during the placement.
5.Documented purposefully and sequentially in the theoretical and practical activities placement report.
Individual work and tests
Placement report
Competences
1.Independently and within the limits of professional competence, develop and implement a psychoeducational programme based on scientific findings for a specific target group.
Individual work and tests
A psychoeducational programme in the final version.
2.Evaluate the progress and results of the programme according to specific criteria, justify professional decisions and reflect on the quality, limitations and ethical aspects of their work.
Individual work and tests
Self-reflection in the context of impressions and observations of the work of colleagues during the placement. • Defence of the practice • Placement report
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Independent work |
-
|
-
|
|
Independent familiarisation with the materials for lectures and classes in e-studies. Compulsory attendance at classes. All self-developed study works submitted and presented on time. In case of late submission, the number of points obtained is halved. The use of AI is only allowed in generating ideas, not in developing and formatting the work to be submitted in e-studies (psychoeducational programmes and placement reports). Correct references according to RSU guidelines on the use of AI are mandatory. Providing constructive feedback on the study course by completing its evaluation form. |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Literature review, analysis and evaluation. |
10.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Scientific LITERATURE REVIEW (Word.doc 6-8 pages; 10-12 sources), submitted in e-studies. Criteria: 1) justification of relevance; 2) compliance with a specific psychoeducational program; 3) analysis; 4) evaluation; 5) summary. Max 2 points for each of the criteria. |
||
|
2.
Presentation of the psychoeducational program project. |
10.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
E-studies submitted and presented in the study group a PROJECT of a psychoeducational program (PowerPoint presentation 10-12 slides, presentation up to 10 min) that includes 1) the objectives and tasks of the program, target audience; 2) logical justification; 3) achievable results; 4) time distribution and insight into planned activities, used sources; 5) presentation quality and presentation skills. Max 2 points for each of the criteria. |
||
|
3.
A psychoeducational programme in the final version. |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Independent development and submission of an e-learning Psychoeducational program in the FINAL version (Word doc, 7/8-10 pages). Criteria: 1) program structure; 2) scientific nature, professional terminology; 3) balance between theory and practical activities; 4) program evaluation questionnaire; 5) design. Max 4 points for each of the criteria. |
||
|
4.
Self-reflection in the context of impressions and observations of the work of colleagues during the placement. |
10.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
REFLECTION on the placement. The presentation (up to 10 slides; 10 min) should include: 1) information on the placement; 2) self-reflection (success, improvement); 3) reflection on observed classes 4) feedback from program participants; 5) main findings, benefits. Max 2 points for each of the criteria. |
||
|
5.
Placement report |
35.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Independent development and submission of the PRACTICE REPORT in e-studies within the specified deadline (Word doc., 40-45 pages). Criteria: 1) adherence to the overall structure of the report; 2) written placement logbook, approved by the placement supervisor; 3) use of professional terminology, adherence to ethical aspects (confidentiality, informed consent); 4) assessment received from the placement supervisor and group members, 5) self-reflection, evaluation of the results of one's own activities and formulation of professional development tasks; 6) detailed description of the classes led by oneself, at least 5 pages, including bibliography; 7) annexes containing the developed methodological materials - presentations, handouts, etc. Max 5 points for each of the criteria. |
||
|
6.
Defence of the practice |
15.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
ORAL DEFENCE OF THE PLACEMENT (5 min). Self-analysis of the work. Criteria: 1) self-reflection (SWOT); 2) cooperation with the placement supervisor and institution; 3) cooperation in the group, lessons learned. Recommendations, suggestions for the further organization of the study course and placement. |
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Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The nature, structure and quality criteria of psychoeducational programmes.
Description
Concept and purpose of psychoeducation; logic of the programme; target group; needs; objectives, tasks and expected results; content and time schedule; structure of the programme; quality criteria. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Analysis of the needs of the target audience and scientific justification.
Description
Characterisation of the target audience; identification of needs; formulation of the problem; search and selection of scientific literature; critical evaluation of sources; linking theory to syllabus content; evidence-based psychoeducation. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychoeducational pedagogical aspects and choice of teaching methods.
Description
Principles of learning for adults, young people and children; the learning process; matching learning objectives and methods; interactive methods; balance between theory and practical activities; study aids; taking into account the needs of different target groups. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Implementation, motivation and evaluation of psychoeducational programmes.
Description
Motivating participants; the role of the psychologist/health psychologist; group dynamics; communication; feedback; difficult situations; evaluation of the programme; participant feedback; evaluation of results; self-reflection and professional responsibility. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Working on a literature review for the development of a psychoeducational program project.
Description
In Lessons 1 and 2, students collaborate to develop a draft psychoeducational programme based on the literature review they have compiled and submitted. Emphasis on programme quality: rationale; coherence of objectives, tasks and outcomes; evidence-based, correct content; psychoeducational activities appropriate for the target audience. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Working on a literature review for the development of a psychoeducational program project.
Description
In Lessons 1 and 2, students collaborate to develop a draft psychoeducational programme based on the literature review they have compiled and submitted. Emphasis on programme quality: rationale; coherence of objectives, tasks and outcomes; evidence-based, correct content; psychoeducational activities appropriate for the target audience. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Presentation of the psychoeducational program project.
Description
In Lessons 3 and 4, the developed draft of the psychoeducational program is presented (10 min), followed by a discussion and debate (5 min). Students introduce their group members to the topic of their placement, the chosen placement site, the target audience, and the planned course of the placement. Work continues on finalizing the program. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Presentation of the psychoeducational program project.
Description
In Lessons 3 and 4, the developed draft of the psychoeducational program is presented (10 min), followed by a discussion and debate (5 min). Students introduce their group members to the topic of their placement, the chosen placement site, the target audience, and the planned course of the placement. Work continues on finalizing the program. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychoeducational program final draft.
Description
In Lessons 5 and 6, students have submitted the final version of the psychoeducational program in e-studies and are working on developing methodological materials. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Psychoeducational program final draft.
Description
In Lessons 5 and 6, students have submitted the final version of the psychoeducational program in e-studies and are working on developing methodological materials. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Reflection on the placement.
Description
In Lessons 7 and 8, the students reflect on the placement, informing their group members about what they have done, their successes, their gains, and what they would like to improve or develop in their future work. The assessment of the performance of their colleagues is made by the students who have observed the implementation of the psychoeducational programme. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Reflection on the placement.
Description
In Lessons 7 and 8, the students reflect on the placement, informing their group members about what they have done, their successes, their gains, and what they would like to improve or develop in their future work. The assessment of the performance of their colleagues is made by the students who have observed the implementation of the psychoeducational programme. |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Gkintoni, E., & Vantarakis, A. (2026). Toward personalized psychoeducational interventions for psychophysical health: A systematic review and meta-analysis for tailored intervention selection. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 16(4), 215.
2.
Asplund, A., Kummel, M., Laaksonen, C., Erjavec, K., Sakellari, E., Santala, E., & Korhonen, J. (2025). Promoting mental health literacy of 13–16-year-old students: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(10), 1578.
3.
Kizilkilic, S. E., Xu, L., Akinci, B., et al. (2025). Educational methods to improve digital health literacy: A systematic review and meta-analysis for the EAPC Opti(MI)se initiative. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, zwaf354.
Additional Reading
1.
Katsuki, F., Watanabe, N., Yamada, A., & Hasegawa, T. (2022). Effectiveness of family psychoeducation for major depressive disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis. BJPsych open, 8(5), e148.
2.
Pašpalīdzības un pašvadības iespēju arsenāls krīzes un transformāciju laikā: metodes ikvienam. (2021). RSU, 149.
3.
Nacionālais psihiskās veselības centrs. Metodiskie standarti un materiāli (2025).
Other Information Sources
1.
Psihoizglītošana un pašpalīdzības prasmju apguve. Raksti.
2.
VM - Uzmanības deficīta un hiperaktivitātes sindroma (UDHS) diagnostikas un korekcijas vadlīnijas bērniem un pusaudžiem (2025).
3.
SPKC – Klīniskais algoritms par depresijas/psihiskās veselības aprūpi un psihoizglītošanu (2025).
4.
SPKC - Klīniskais algoritms. Tiku un Tureta sindroma diagnostika, terapija un uzraudzība bērniem un pusaudžiem (2025).