Amira Davey, Lauren Burnham, Princess Famure, Yifan Sun 

EDCI 337 A01

Mary Watt

December 1, 2024

Reflective Post

For our group project, we evenly divided the workload amongst each team member to ensure that everyone was able to contribute their unique perspective and ideas.

I, Amira, developed the lesson content and the reflection post. I designed the curriculum to ensure it aligned with our group’s initial learning objectives. I also incorporated key principles from our EDCI 337 course, like active learning and scaffolding information, to ensure students had an engaging learning experience.

Lauren developed the following media: Why Anxiety Happens, How Adults Can Support Anxiety, and What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy? She incorporated an engaging video and included many essential media design elements in her work.

Princess developed the following media: Types of Anxiety Disorders. This format was chosen to support passive learning, where students could absorb information visually. This infographic compliments the videos presented in this course as it caters to students’ various learning preferences. Princess also used contrasting visuals to support learner’s understanding.

Yifan developed the following media: Negative Consequences of Anxiety in Adolescent Years, Unproductive Coping Mechanisms, and Positive Methods to Cope with Anxiety. These graphics were designed to help students engage with course content and prepare for their quizzes.

As a group, we ensured to incorporate active learning through frequent quizzes, while passive learning was encouraged through videos and readings. Accessibility was prioritized by providing closed captions for videos to accommodate diverse learning needs.

Integrating scaffolding techniques, such as the quizzes and final exam, helped to reinforce and assess student understanding of course content. The principles of constructivist learning theory were also used in our design, as we ensured that students had opportunities to build on prior knowledge while actively engaging with the content.

Ultimately, this project was an excellent way to practice course concepts and develop our lesson-planning skills.

Citations:

  • Infographic Creation: Canva
  • Video Creation: Youtube

Table of Contents

  1. Lesson Planning and Backwards Design
  2. Class 1 (Introduction) – What is Anxiety
  3. Class 2 – Anxiety in teenage years
  4. Class 3 – Managing Anxiety in Adolescence
  5. References for Lesson Plans
  6. Quiz 1 – Introduction to anxiety
  7. Quiz 2 – Anxiety in Teenage Years
  8. Quiz 3 – Managing Anxiety in Adolescence
  9. Section 1 Anxiety Test (30 Questions)

Class Textbook:

Cummings, J. A. and Sanders, L. (2019). Introduction to Psychology.Saskatoon, SK: University of Saskatchewan Open Press. https://openpress.usask.ca/introductiontopsychology/

Lesson Planning and Backwards Design

  • Intended Learning Outcome: For this course, high school students will partake in a series of activities to enhance their understanding of common causes, symptoms and treatments of adolescent anxiety. The purpose of this is to help increase mental health awareness and promote positive coping strategies amongst adolescent students. 
  • Evaluation and Assessment: To evaluate students’ understanding of the learning outcomes, they will engage in a series of quizzes, assignments, and tests, with each activity designed to build upon the previous one, thereby scaffolding their knowledge and reinforcing key concepts.

Class 1 (Introduction) – What is Anxiety

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this class students will be able to describe the adaptive functions of anxiety as well as list and define the different types of anxiety disorders.

Lesson Content:

Anxiety is a common experience in adolescence and many of you may have experienced this emotion already. Sports practices, public speaking, and even visiting with friends can evoke anxiety. While anxiety can serve as a positive emotion to protect us from danger, too much anxiety can be problematic (Barlow, 2000). When our fight or flight response is unnecessarily activated, we may experience uncomfortable symptoms, such as excessive worrying (Garland, 2001). To help enhance your understanding of anxiety, please watch the following video:

Now, you might be wondering, why does anxiety happen?? Well, there are multiple factors that might cause anxiety.

Some of these factors include…

  • The activation of the sympathetic nervous system in response to external circumstances (Cummings and Sanders, 2019)
  •  Genetic Predisposition to Anxiety Disorders (Cummings and Sanders, 2019)
  • Environmental Factors such as Trauma (Cummings and Sanders, 2019)

It is important to consider that anxiety is a spectrum. Therefore, not everyone experiences anxiety the same way or to the same degree or frequency (Schniering et al., 2000). 

Types of Anxiety Disorders:

Homework:

1. Please read chapter 17.2 of the textbook 

3. Complete Quiz 1

Class 2 – Anxiety in Teen Years

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this class students will be able to identify several consequences of excessive anxiety in the teenage years.

Lesson Content:

Anxiety can affect people at different stages of life, but as teenagers, it’s especially important to understand how it can impact you and your friends right now. Many of you may already have personal experience with this topic, as research shows that about 10% of teens are affected by anxiety disorders (Garland, 2001). To learn more, please watch the following videos that highlight the significance of this issue:

Negative Consequences of Anxiety in Adolescent Years:

Homework:

1. Complete Quiz 2

Class 3 – Managing Anxiety in Adolescence

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify common unproductive methods that teens use to cope with anxiety
  • Describe useful actions to manage daily anxiety
  • Explain how adults can help mitigate anxiety in adolescents
  • Describe cognitive-behavioural therapy 
  • Identify common medication used to treat anxiety

Lesson Content:

Living with anxiety can be challenging! Teens who consistently experience anxiety may participate in unhealthy or unproductive behaviours to help cope. 

Some Unproductive Coping Mechanisms Include..:

Positive Methods to Cope with Anxiety Include…:

How Adults Can Support Adolescents With Anxiety:

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?

Homework:

1. Please read the section on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) from chapter 18.1 of the textbook.

3. Complete Quiz 3

4. Complete Test1

References for Lesson Plans

Anxiety Canada. (2019). Fight Flight Freeze – Anxiety Explained For Teens [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpolpKTWrp4

Child Mind Institute. (2022). How Anxiety Affects Teenagers | Child Mind Institute [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnAKKuwHelM

Cummings, J. A. and Sanders, L. (2019). Introduction to Psychology.Saskatoon, SK: University of Saskatchewan Open Press.

Garland, E. (2001). Rages and refusals. Managing the many faces of adolescent anxiety. Canadian Family Physician, 47(5), 1023–1030.

Henker, B., Whalen, C. K., Jamner, L. D., & Delfino, R. J. (2002). Anxiety, Affect, and Activity in Teenagers: Monitoring Daily Life With Electronic Diaries. Journal of the

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 41(6), 660–670. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004583-200206000-00005

International OCD Foundation. (2018). Impact of Anxiety on School Performance [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrLcFttcReE

Orson, C. N., & Larson, R. W. (2021). Helping Teens Overcome Anxiety Episodes in Project Work: The Power of Reframing. Journal of Adolescent Research, 36(2), 127–153. https://doi.org/10.1177/0743558420913480

Quizzes and Tests:

Quiz 1 – Introduction to anxiety

1. What is a positive aspect of anxiety?

a. It increases stress levels

b. It helps protect us from danger

c. It causes excessive worry

d. It triggers panic attacks

Answer: B

Source: Cummings & Sanders (2019)

2. What is a common symptom of anxiety disorders?

a. Excessive worry

b. Increased energy levels 

c. Decreased appetite

d. Improved concentration

Answer: A

Source: Garland (2001)

3. What system is activated when anxiety occurs?

a. Parasympathetic nervous system

b. Central nervous system

c. Sympathetic nervous system

d. Muscular system

Answer: C

Cummings & Sanders (2019)

4. Which factor does not contribute to the development of anxiety disorders?

a. Genetics

b. Trauma 

c. Diet

d. Environmental factors 

Answer: C

Source: Cummings & Sanders (2019)

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5. What is the fight or flight response?

a. A method to relax

b. A physiological reaction to danger

c. A medical treatment 

d. A type of anxiety disorder

Answer: B

Source: Anxiety Canada (2019)

6. Which type of anxiety disorder involves incessant worry about multiple areas of life?

a. Panic Disorder 

b. Generalized Anxiety Disorder 

c. Phobia

d. Social Anxiety Disorder 

Answer: B

Source: Cumming & Sanders (2019)

7. What is often experienced during a Panic Attack?

a. Sudden bursts of extreme anxiety

b. Relief and calmness 

c. Fatigue 

d. Increase appetite

Answer: A

Source: Cummings & Sanders (2019)

8. What characterizes obsessive-compulsive disorder?

a. Constant physical activity

b. Repetitive thoughts and behaviours 

c. Avoidance of social interactions 

d. Intense fear of specific objects 

Answer: B

Source: Cumming & Sanders (2019)

9. Which anxiety disorder is marked by excessive worry about judgement from others?

a. Phobia 

b. Panic Disorder 

c. Social Anxiety Disorder

d. Separation Anxiety Disorder

Answer: C

Source: Garland (2001)

10. Anxiety is highly comorbid with which other condition?

a. Schizophrenia 

b. Bipolar Disorder

c. Depression

d. ADHD

Answer: C

Source Garland (2001)

Quiz 2 – Anxiety in Teenage Years

1. What percentage of teens experience anxiety disorders?

a. 20%

a. 15%

a. 10%

a. 5%

Answer: C

Source: Garland (2001)

2. Which of the following is a major source of anxiety in teens?

a. Peer interactions

b. Diet changes 

c. Music preferences 

d. Lack of sleep 

Answer: A

Source: Garland (2001)

3. What is a common emotional effect of anxiety on teens?

a. Increased motivation 

b. Increased joy 

c. Increase anger and stress

d. Decreased motivation 

Answer: C

Source: Henker et al. (2002)

4. How does anxiety affect school performance? 

a. Improves focus on tasks

b. Occupies cognitive resources, like working memory

c. Increases in test scores

d. Enhances social interactions

Answer: B 

Source: Moran (2016)

5. What is a behaviour anxious teenagers may engage in due to anxiety?

a. Increased participation in extracurricular activities

b. Drug abuse 

c. Involvement in team sports

d. Social Isolation

Answer: D

Source Henker et al. (2002)

6. What do anxious teens often report more of in their daily lives?

a. Increased energy

b. Positive thinking 

c. Negative emotions 

d. Euphoria 

Answer: C 

Source Henker et al. (2002)

7. How does anxiety impact teen attendance at school?

a. It improves attendance because they are scared of being late

b. It causes teens to skip school

c. It has no impact

d. All of the above

Answer: B 

Source Garland (2001)

8. What coping strategy do teens with high anxiety use in social situations?

a. Rumination and avoidance 

b. Engagement and teamwork

c. Increased assertiveness 

d. Relaxation techniques

Answer: A

Source Maloney et al. (2014)

9. Anxiety in teens can lead to more of what kind of procrastination? 

a. Productive procrastination 

b. Motivational procrastination

c. No change in procrastination habits 

d. Fear-based procrastination

Answer: D 

Source: Garland (2001)

10. How can anxiety decrease task performance in teens? 

a. By increasing sleep 

b. By occupying working memory and cognitive processes 

c. By reducing social interactions

d. By improving problem-solving abilities 

Answer: B

Source: Moran (2016)

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Quiz 3 – Managing Anxiety in Adolescence

1. What is one unproductive coping mechanism for teens dealing with anxiety?

a. Exercising

a. Smoking

a. Healthy eating

a. Socializing

Answer: B

Source: Henker et al. (2002)

2. What is a productive way for teens to manage anxiety?

a. Avoiding anxiety-inducing situations

b. Spending time with friends

c. Avoiding exercise

d. Staying up late

Answer: B

Source: Henker et al. (2002)

3. What is a strategy adults can use to help teens manage anxiety?

a. Encourage isolation

b. Help reframe anxious thoughts

c. Ignore the signs of anxiety

d. Focus on the past

Answer: B

Source: Orson & Larson (2021)

4. Which form of therapy is commonly used to treat anxiety in teens?

a. Psychoanalysis

b. Cognitive-behavioural Therapy (CBT)

c. Hypnotherapy

d. Art therapy

Answer: B

Source: Garland (2001)

5. What kind of medication is commonly prescribed for anxiety?

a. Beta-blockers

b. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

c. Painkillers

d. Anti-inflammatories

Answer: B

Source: Garland (2001)

6. Why is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy effective for anxiety?

a. It avoids anxiety-provoking situations

b. It helps teens challenge and reframe their thoughts

c. It increases avoidance

d. It removes all anxiety triggers

Answer: B

Source: Garland (2001)

7. What is a common unproductive behaviour teens with anxiety might adopt?

a. Challenging themselves

b. Procrastinating due to fear of failure

c. Exercising regularly

d. Socializing more

Answer: B

Source: Garland (2001)

8. How can parents help teens manage their anxiety?

a. Avoid discussing anxiety

b. Educate themselves about anxiety

c. Expose teens to anxiety-provoking situations

d. Restrict social interactions

Answer: B

Source: Garland (2001)

9. What is one key component of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?

a. Avoidance of anxiety-provoking situations

b. Exposure to anxiety triggers

c. Focus on relaxation techniques only

d. Suppression of emotions

Answer: B

Source: Garland (2001)

10. What is a common outcome when therapy is combined with medication for anxiety?

a. Increased anxiety

b. More effective treatment

c. No change in anxiety levels

d. Decreased motivation

Answer: B

Source: Garland (2001)

Section 1 Anxiety Test (30 Questions)

Multiple Choice (10 Questions)

1. What is a positive aspect of anxiety?

a. It increases stress levels.

a. It helps protect us from danger.

a. It causes excessive worry.

a. It triggers panic attacks.

Answer: B

Source: Cummings & Sanders (2019)

2. Which system is activated when anxiety occurs?

a. Parasympathetic nervous system

b. Central nervous system

c. Sympathetic nervous system

d. Muscular system

Answer: C

Source: Cummings & Sanders (2019)

3. Which of the following anxiety disorders involves extreme fear of specific objects or situations?

a. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

b. Social Anxiety Disorder

c. Phobias

d. Panic Disorder

Answer: C

Source: Cummings & Sanders (2019)

4. Which factor does not contribute to the development of anxiety disorders?

a. Genetics

b. Trauma

c. Diet

d. Environmental factors

Answer: C

Source: Cummings & Sanders (2019)

5. How can anxiety impact academic performance?

a. Improves memory recall

b. Increases motivation to complete tasks

c. Occupies cognitive resources, such as working memory

d. No impact on academic performance

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Answer: C

Source: Moran (2016)

6. Which of the following is a healthy coping mechanism for teens with anxiety?

a. Avoiding social situations

b. Procrastinating on important tasks

c. Spending time with friends

d. Engaging in substance abuse

Answer: C

Source: Henker et al. (2002)

7. What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) designed to address?

a. Genetic causes of anxiety

b. Physical symptoms of anxiety

c. Thought patterns and behaviors that reinforce anxiety

d. Emotional suppression techniques

Answer: C

Source: Garland (2001)

8. What is a common outcome of untreated anxiety in teens?

a. Improved school attendance

b. Social isolation

c. Increased engagement in activities

d. Enhanced academic performance

Answer: B

Source: Henker et al. (2002)

9. Which of the following is a common unproductive coping mechanism for teens dealing with anxiety?

a. Exercising

b. Smoking

c. Healthy eating

d. Seeking social support

Answer: B

Source: Henker et al. (2002)

10. Which medication is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders?

a.  Beta blockers

b. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

c. Antibiotics

d. Anti-inflammatories

Answer: B

Source: Garland (2001)

True or False (10 Questions)

1. Anxiety is always harmful and has no positive effects.

True or False

Answer: False

Source: Cummings & Sanders (2019)

2. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “fight or flight” response in anxiety.

True or False

Answer: True

Source: Cummings & Sanders (2019)

3. Phobias are one of the least common anxiety disorders.

True or False

Answer: False

Source: Cummings & Sanders (2019)

1. Anxiety can cause cognitive issues such as decreased working memory and task

performance.

True or False

Answer: True

Source: Moran (2016)

1. Teens with high anxiety are more likely to participate in extracurricular activities than their non-anxious peers.

True or False

Answer: False

Source: Henker et al. (2002)

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by constant worry about many areas of life, such as work, family, and health.

True or False

Answer: True

Source: Cummings & Sanders (2019)

1. Avoiding anxiety-provoking situations can reinforce and worsen anxiety in the long term.

True or False

Answer: True

Source: Cummings & Sanders (2019)

1. SSRIs are used to treat anxiety disorders because they help increase serotonin levels in the brain.

True or False

Answer: True

Source: Garland (2001)

1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) involves avoiding anxiety-provoking situations.

True or False

Answer: False

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Source: Garland (2001)

1. Parents and teachers should refrain from discussing anxiety with teenagers to avoid increasing their stress.

True or False

Answer: False

Source: Orson & Larson (2021)

Fill in the Blank (10 Questions)

1. The fight or flight response is triggered by the activation of the ________ nervous system.

Answer: Sympathetic

Source: Cummings & Sanders (2019)

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable ________ about various aspects of life.

Answer: Worry

Source: Cummings & Sanders (2019)

1. A common symptom of panic disorder is sudden changes in ________, which can make the person feel like they are having a heart attack.

Answer: Heart rate

Source: Cummings & Sanders (2019)

1. Teens with high anxiety often report more negative emotions such as ________ and stress in their daily lives.

Answer: Anger

Source: Henker et al. (2002)

1. ________ is a common unproductive behavior that teens with anxiety may use to cope, leading to worse long-term outcomes.

Answer: Avoidance

Source: Maloney et al. (2014)

1. Anxiety can reduce performance on tasks by interfering with ________, a cognitive process that is essential for completing tasks.

Answer: Working memory

Source: Moran (2016)

1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy involves exposing individuals to ________ situations in order to practice new thinking and behavior patterns.

Answer: Anxiety-provoking

Source: Garland (2001)

1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed class of medication for ________ disorders.

Answer: Anxiety

Source: Garland (2001)

1. Adults can help teens manage anxiety by offering ________ on their performance to counteract the distortions caused by anxiety.

Answer: Feedback or reframing

Source: Orson & Larson (2021)

One of the most effective therapies for anxiety disorders is ________, which focuses on changing thought patterns and behaviors.

Answer: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Source: Garland (2001)