The Psychology of Change

Curriculum Context

Subject: Health
Level: NCEA Level 2 (aligned with The New Zealand Curriculum)
Strand: Personal Health and Development
Key Achievement Standard Alignment: AS91235 - Examine the impact of change on well-being
Key Competencies: Thinking, Relating to Others, Participating and Contributing
Mātauranga Māori Considerations: Hauora model (Te Whare Tapa Whā), resilience in Māori perspectives

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Lesson Overview

Unit: Resilience in Change (Lesson 3 of 25)
Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 25 students
Learning Objective:
Students will explore psychological theories of change and analyse how individuals respond to transitions and challenges in life.

Success Criteria

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
✅ Identify and explain key psychological theories of change, such as Kubler-Ross’ Change Curve and Lewin’s Change Model.
✅ Apply these theories to real-life scenarios relevant to young people.
✅ Reflect on their own experiences with change and identify personal coping strategies.

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Lesson Structure

1. Settling & Introduction (10 mins)

• Teacher Prompt: "Think about a change you have experienced in the last year—big or small. How did you feel?"
• Pair Share: Students turn to a partner and spend 1 minute each describing a change they have experienced and how it impacted them.
• Whole Class Discussion: Teacher gathers insights and links their answers to the importance of understanding psychological responses to change.

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2. Key Concepts & Theories (15 mins)

• Direct Teaching: Explain two key psychological theories related to change:
  1. Kubler-Ross Change Curve: Discuss the five stages of change—Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. Show a visual model to aid understanding.
  2. Lewin’s Change Model: Introduce the concept of unfreezing, changing, and refreezing and how habits and behaviour shifts occur.
• NZ Context: Relate these concepts to NZ students—how do these changes manifest in school, sports, family, and New Zealand’s cultural environment?
• Quick Check In: Ask students to relate these to their own experiences—"Have you ever felt stuck in one of these stages?"

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3. Group Activity – Case Study Analysis (15 mins)

• Scenario Cards: Divide students into small groups (4-5 per group). Each group receives a different case study describing a person going through a significant change (e.g., moving to a new school, parental separation, a friend group shifting).
• Task:
  ✅ Identify which psychological change model applies.
  ✅ Determine where the individual is at in the process.
  ✅ Brainstorm one strategy that could help them navigate the change.
• Reporting: Each group quickly shares their insights with the class.

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4. Individual Reflection & Application (10 mins)

• Journaling Prompt: "Think back to a big change in your life. Using what we’ve learned today, where do you think you were in the change process? What helped you move forward?"
• Silent Writing: Students write a short reflection on their phone notes or in their workbooks.
• (Optional) Pair Share: If comfortable, students can discuss their reflections with a peer.

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5. Wrap-Up & Exit Ticket (10 mins)

• Class Discussion: "What’s one insight you gained today?" (Open call for answers.)
• Exit Ticket: On a sticky note, students write down one strategy they can use when facing future changes and stick it on the board before leaving.
• Teacher Takeaway: This serves as a quick check on student understanding and provides insight into whether additional support is needed.

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Assessment & Follow-Up

• Formative Assessment:
  ✅ Observation during group work
  ✅ Journaling reflections
  ✅ Exit ticket responses
• Preparation for Next Lesson:
  • In the next session, students will explore how resilience plays a role in navigating change and strategies for building emotional strength.
  • Encourage students to ask a trusted adult about a significant change in their life and how they handled it (to discuss next lesson).

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Teacher Reflection & Notes

✔ If students struggle to relate to a model, offer relatable school-based examples (e.g., exam stress, friendship changes).
✔ Use Te Whare Tapa Whā as a complementary framework to discuss emotional and social resilience.
✔ Ensure a safe, non-judgmental space when discussing personal changes.

Nō reira, kia kaha, mauri ora! Let’s empower students to navigate change with confidence! 🎯