73323 - Risk Behaviour and Protective Factors

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will:

• have in-depth knowledge of the methods and techniques related to the various aspects of educational design and of strategies for addressing the negative impact of risk factors;
• be able to organise and implement intervention practices in different micro- and macro-social contexts;
• know observational tools and techniques and how to use them to optimise relationships in different settings;
• be able to carry out systemic analyses and develop independent reflections on issues related to specific contexts, proposing effective strategies for individuals and groups;
• know how to promote, at both individual and group level, communication strategies aimed at initiating processes that foster optimal pathways during the crucial stages of the life cycle;
• be able to identify appropriate tools and pathways for developing and deepening their professional and operational skills.

Course contents

The course is divided into two integrated modules.

Module 1 outlines the different pathways of continuity and discontinuity in development, examining the protective and risk mechanisms that may influence these developmental trajectories. Some theoretical models will be presented to explain the complex interaction between risk and protective factors during development and, in particular, risk/protective factors in the school context.

Module 2 is devoted to the design of interventions aimed at identifying and managing risk and protective factors. Through experiential workshops, students will learn to use the Business Model Canvas as a tool for social planning. The aim is to integrate social planning skills with elements of self-entrepreneurship, the development of sustainable project ideas, and the ability to draw up a business plan. Group work will also help strengthen collaborative, organisational and problem-solving skills.

Readings/Bibliography

International students may request English-language materials as substitutes for the bibliography provided in Italian.

Teaching methods

Lectures will be complemented by group discussions, case analyses, video analyses, testimonials, practical exercises, simulations, and group work.

Assessment methods

For attending students, the exam will consist of a group workshop-based assessment. Participants will be divided into working groups and will take part in a simulated competition between business models. Each group will be asked to develop its own project idea, structure it using the Business Model Canvas, and present it through a pitch to a panel simulating the role of potential funders. Assessment will take into account the following criteria: clarity and coherence of the project idea; ability to identify needs, target groups, risk factors and protective factors; quality of the use of the Business Model Canvas; sustainability and feasibility of the project; effectiveness of the oral presentation and pitch; ability to work in a group; originality and social impact of the proposal.

For non-attending students, the exam will consist of an oral examination with discussion of a written paper, which must be sent to the lecturer, Professor Matteucci, by email one week before the exam.

The paper, 3–5 pages long, must concern the analysis of a situation/case in which risk factors and protective factors are identified. A template will be provided for writing the paper.

The final mark will be out of 30. The student will be asked three questions: one question on the relevant theoretical models, one question on project design, and one in-depth question on the submitted paper.

For each question, the following will be assessed:

1. completeness of the answers;
2. relevance and consistency of the answers;
3. ability to provide personal re-elaboration.

Registration through the AlmaEsami platform is required in order to take the exam.

Teaching tools

Lessons will be supported by the use of PowerPoint presentations.
All lecture slides will be made available on the platform Virtuale (virtuale.unibo.it)

Office hours

See the website of Maria Cristina Matteucci

See the website of Francesca Cavallini