Visual Note-Taking in School Social Work
Visual note-taking training for school social workers organized by the Változás Mental Health Association - a creative tool for learning and mental wellbeing.
Visual Note-Taking in School Social Work – A Creative Tool to Support Learning and Mental Wellbeing
Lay change often begins with small steps: a new perspective, a practical method, or an experience that becomes part of everyday life over time. The visual note-taking course organized by the Változás Mental Health Association initiated exactly this kind of process among school social workers.
The aim of the training was to provide participants with a creative yet practical tool that helps make information more understandable and engaging for children during preventive sessions. The methodology of visual note-taking fits especially well into the daily practice of school social work, as it supports learning, strengthens understanding, and enhances connection.
The process of creation
During the two-session course, participants gradually built their own visual toolkit. The first session focused on the fundamentals, covering areas such as:
using simple shapes and figures
creating visual structures
the role of colors and connections
organizing information through visual tools
The second session focused on practical application, where participants:
adapted the method to their own professional situations
experimented with different visual tools and techniques
created practical materials for their everyday work
The course resulted in tangible outcomes. Participants created a variety of visual materials, including:
posters
project summaries
educational materials for children
These outputs are not only creative works but also practical tools that can be immediately used in school environments. A particularly valuable feedback was that several participants had already started applying visual note-taking between the two sessions, both in their professional work and at home.
Mental wellbeing
Beyond professional development, the process also had a significant impact on mental wellbeing. According to participant feedback, the act of creating:
helped reduce stress
strengthened creative thinking
provided a flow experience
created real "me-time"
Working by hand – stepping away from the digital environment - was a liberating experience for many, allowing them to reconnect with their creativity.
Overall, the experience shows that visual note-taking is not only an effective learning support method but also a tool that contributes to mental wellbeing. It helps professionals be more conscious, creative, and connected in their work. This kind of experience-based learning demonstrates that real change often starts from within – and then extends outward to impact communities.