Greater success when learning in happiness

Topic(s) addressed

The topics addressed by this project included the wellbeing of students and teachers, mental health, collaboration between students and teachers, sense of equality and self-worth, compassion, emotional wellbeing, student-centred learning, and inclusion.

Target group(s)

The target groups included students with special needs and students from disadvantaged backgrounds, teachers, and parents.

Methodologies

Teachers, psychologists, and educational consultants collaborated on addressing the needs of students on multiple levels. Students gained knowledge and skills in organisation, coping with stress, studying, and they developed feelings of importance and belonging. Activities were held as workshops, in class, and provided opportunities for feedback. External stakeholders such as parents and other teachers received a brochure that combined gained knowledge and practical advice.

Innovation environment

The school took advantage of the fact that the target group of students with disadvantaged backgrounds were present in every class, so by focusing on helping them integrate and address their needs, the whole school was impacted. After receiving education during the activities, knowledge and practical activities were shared with the collective through three thematic workshops - student-centred classrooms, inclusion, and stress management. Equipment and information and communications technology (ICT) tools were used to create motivating games and activities. 

Teachers’ role

During the programme, teachers learned more about wellbeing and implemented the new knowledge into their own lives, while sharing with colleagues. They applied the same techniques with their students and incorporated these practices into their schedules. Teachers became more empowered to recognise the individual needs of students and held workshops to address these needs. Teachers also attended each other’s lectures, analysed feedback from students, and were able to reflect on the impact of the activities during meetings and through work on the brochure.

Impact and output

Teachers have learned methods to identify and differentiate learning difficulties, adjust teaching methods to individual needs, and create a classroom environment in which every student contributes. Students learned methods for relaxation, time and stress management, and new learning habits, and showed increased awareness of responsibility, learning management, and homework. Positive feedback from students with additional needs showed the impact that the inclusive activities and methods used by teachers was having on them as they faced new challenges. 

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