Keys to Wellbeing – Happy students learn better
Finland, celebrated as the world’s happiest country, attributes much of its success to an educational system that emphasizes student well-being and holistic development. This course offers educators an immersive experience into Finland’s child-centered learning approaches, focusing on fostering independence, curiosity, and a growth mindset. By integrating these principles, you’ll enhance your teaching practices and create a more engaging and supportive learning environment.
What You’ll Learn:
Delve into the core elements that contribute to student happiness and effective learning. Through practical activities and expert insights, you’ll discover methods to strengthen students’ sense of belonging, promote active participation, and implement active learning strategies. Key topics include:
- Techniques to enhance student engagement and motivation.
- Strategies for fostering a supportive and inclusive classroom atmosphere.
- Active learning methods that encourage critical thinking and collaboration.
- Approaches to address diverse learning needs, including special education considerations.
- Practical tools to integrate well-being practices into daily teaching routines.
Course Highlights:
- Immersive School Visits: Experience Finnish schools firsthand to observe and understand their well-being practices.
- Expert-Led Workshops: Engage with specialists in student well-being, participation, and active learning.
- Hands-On Activities: Participate in exercises designed for immediate application in your classroom.
- Collaborative Learning: Network with educators from across Europe, sharing insights and best practices.
- Cultural Exploration: Gain a deeper appreciation of Finnish culture and its influence on education.
This course is engaging, active, and filled with practical tips, ensuring you leave with a wealth of ready-to-use ideas to make your teaching more engaging and student-friendly.
Upcoming courses
Interested in a customized, on-demand version of this course for your group?
Learn more and tailor it to your team’s needs today!
What our clients say
Tickets
All tickets includes:
- Event materials
- Certificate of attendance
- School visits
- Admission to all sessions
Standard price
For standard registrations
Group price
Discounted price forgroups of 5 or more
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Implement methods that strengthen students’ sense of belonging and participation.
- Apply active learning strategies to enhance student engagement.
- Ensure the well-being of students through supportive classroom practices.
- Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning needs.
- Create a positive and inclusive learning environment.
This course is ideal for educators teaching children aged 6–16, including teachers, school leaders, and educational professionals interested in integrating well-being practices into their teaching.
Karoliina Mutanen, M. Ed., class teacher
An experienced and innovative elementary school teacher since 2010, this educator has worked in Finland and abroad, specializing in early language learning and currently teaching English through CLIL. As a student council counselor and tutor teacher, she is deeply passionate about fostering student participation and involvement in society. With expertise in digital learning, media education, and STEAM, she incorporates a wide range of technologies to inspire and engage learners. Currently serving as a participation specialist, she focuses on empowering children and youth to discover their potential and love for learning through active involvement and motivation.
Jenni Sipola, M. Ed., class teacher
A dedicated educator since 2001, this professional brings extensive experience as a classroom teacher and tutor teacher specializing in digital skills and STEAM education. With a Master of Education from the University of Joensuu, her expertise spans lesson planning, e-learning, interdisciplinary teaching, outdoor education, and international collaboration. She has a strong background in educational leadership and project-based learning. Recognized for her achievements, she participated in the prestigious Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching program (2020–2021) at Arizona State University, further enriching her innovative approach to primary education.
Eveliina Könönen, MA, language teacher
With a teaching career spanning two decades, this language educator specializes in Swedish and French and has been shaping young minds in an international school setting since 2006. She is also a dedicated teacher of social-emotional skills and serves as a tutor teacher on a social-emotional skills team. As a project specialist for the nationwide initiative Operation SKY (2022–2023), she contributed to fostering engaging school communities. Holding a Master of Arts degree with pedagogical studies from the University of Tampere, her expertise is enriched by studies in positive pedagogy, well-being skills, and certification as a Youth Effectiveness Training (Y.E.T.) Instructor. Her diverse experience extends across all educational levels, from elementary to adult education.
This is a provisional program.
Day 1, Sunday
10:00 Arrivals and settling in.
13:00 Pre-assignment to prepare for the week.
15:00 Meet the team and informal networking.
19:00 End of Day. Personal or team time for notes, diaries, and discussions.
Day 2, Monday
10:00 School visit to explore the Finnish education model.
13:00 School visit continuation.
15:00 Reflection and discussions on takeaways from the school visit.
19:00 End of Day. Personal or team time for notes, diaries, and discussions.
Day 3, Tuesday
10:00 Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) activities in a natural setting.
13:00 Learning stations designed to connect with nature.
15:00 Traditional sauna and swim experience, followed by reflections.
19:00 End of Day. Personal or team time for notes, diaries, and discussions.
Day 4, Wednesday
10:00 Seppo city quest in Helsinki, applying gamified learning techniques.
13:00 Reflection on applications of gamification in education.
15:00 Visit to Suomenlinna fortress with group discussions.
19:00 End of Day. Personal or team time for notes, diaries, and discussions.
Day 5, Thursday
10:00 Exploring student participation methods at schools.
13:00 Activities and methods to enhance engagement.
15:00 Reflection on insights and discussions.
19:00 End of Day. Personal or team time for notes, diaries, and discussions.
Day 6, Friday
10:00 SEL-focused methods implemented in schools.
13:00 Activities and practical approaches to SEL.
15:00 Final reflection, wrap-up, and preparation for departures.
19:00 End of Day. Personal or team time for notes, diaries, and discussions.
Day 7, Saturday
10:00 Certificate ceremony and farewell coffee.
12:00 onwards Departures.
