Targeted to Intermediate English (B1+) speakers.Read more
This is the standard requirement for most courses. Participants at this level can participate actively in discussions and manage everyday and professional situations. If they are unsure about their English level, they can test it here or explore our courses facilitated in Basic English.
Cross-Curricular.Read more
The listed audiences are those for whom the course is especially recommended, but courses are not exclusive to them and are open to everyone. In fact, most of our workshops are built around the collective sharing of participants’ experiences and having a variety of profiles enriches the learning process and is highly encouraged!
Description
The rise of mental health issues and poor well-being among students has raised serious concerns all over the world.
In Finland, we believe well-being comes first.
The Finnish education system is built on the belief that pupils learn best when they feel safe, valued, and supported. Pupils who thrive have a stronger capability to focus, tackle learning challenges, and, naturally, achieve better learning outcomes.
In this course, participants will get familiar with the basics of positive pedagogy, one of the cornerstones of Finnish pedagogy.
It is well embodied in the learning environments, daily practices, and most importantly, the teachers’ mindset.
Not only will participants learn the theories and techniques, but this course also offers the experience of the power of positive pedagogy.
They will practice simple mindfulness exercises that can enhance focus, calm, and presence in both teaching and personal life.
The course will also put a special focus on character strengths. Through recognizing each other’s strengths, we are able to foster social-emotional learning, motivation, self-confidence, and a positive classroom climate.
With a hands-on activity, participants will learn to facilitate the creation of a “Positive CV”, a record that highlights individual strengths, achievements, and qualities to celebrate growth beyond academic performance.
Research shows strong evidence on the benefits of physical activity during the school day for learning and well-being. Yet, at the same time, a large majority of children do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity.
In response to this, participants will learn about the Finnish national action program, “Schools on the Move”, that aims to establish a physical activity culture in Finnish schools.
Participants will get familiar with the key features of the program and will actively engage in some strategies that get them moving.
They will gain substantial ideas on how to include physical activity in everyday teaching and on school days.
At the end of the course, participants will have the opportunity to plan their own personal well-being project that they can share with their colleagues once they return to their schools.
To support their further learning and implementation of their projects, they will take away useful resources, practical tools, and inspirations to cultivate well-being both in themselves and in their pupils.
What is included
Learning outcomes
The course will help the participants to:
- Become familiar with the basics of positive pedagogy;
- Practice simple mindfulness exercises ;
- Recognize their own strengths and how to teach build on pupils’ strengths;
- Discover ways to increase physical activities during school day;
- Develop their self-knowledge;
- Create a well-being plan for themselves and their classes.
Tentative schedule
Day 1 – Course introduction & setting goals
Course introduction
- Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
- Icebreaker activities using drama for trust and ensemble building.
The Finnish way of wellbeing
- How is well-being supported in Finnish schools?;
- Well-being as a skill.
Day 2 – Positive pedagogy
- Introduction to positive psychology;
- PERMA – model;
- Workshop: Mindfulness in the classroom.
Day 3 – Strength-based classroom
- Getting to know character strengths;
- Introduction to the “See the Good” method from Finland;
- Workshop: Positive CV.
Day 4 – Movement supports well-being
- “Schools on the Move” program: the why, what, and how;
- Move-inspired school day;
- How can the environment support well-being?;
- Workshop: Action-based learning examples.
Day 5 – Project planning
- Summary of the course;
- Making your own plans;
- Sharing is caring.
Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities
- Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
- Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
- Excursion and other external cultural activities.
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