Description
Our classrooms are increasingly filled with students struggling with depression, anxiety, distraction, and a lack of purpose and connection, posing significant challenges for educators.
These issues impact learning outcomes, emotional well-being, and the overall classroom environment, leaving teachers searching for effective solutions to support their students.
This course is designed to address these pressing issues by drawing inspiration from Finland, the world’s happiest country. Participants will explore the Finnish approaches to happiness, resilience, and well-being with practical tools and pedagogies to foster positive, connected, and thriving learning environments.
Participants will gain insights from concepts like Sisu, which is often described as “grit,” “perseverance,” “determination,” “resilience,” “tenacity,” or “inner strength.” It refers to the Finnish mindset of pushing forward despite difficulties, overcoming obstacles with courage and endurance.
They will also explore mindfulness in nature, digital well-being, hope pedagogy, empathy, and trust, discovering how these strategies can address the growing mental health challenges in schools.
During the course, participants will engage in reflective discussions, practical exercises, and collaborative activities.
Participants will explore Finland’s approach to resilience through Sisu and experience outdoor mindfulness techniques.
Additionally, participants will learn about the shift from digital safety to digital well-being, design learning experiences that bring hope and empowerment, and develop empathy-driven practices to foster inclusive classroom communities.
By the end of the course, participants will be empowered with strategies to tackle challenges like anxiety, distractions, loneliness, and lack of purpose among students.
Combining cultural insights, research-based practices, and hands-on activities, participants will be ready to build resilience, foster empathy, and cultivate joy in their classrooms, creating a supportive environment where students thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.
What is included
Learning outcomes
The course will help the participants to:
- Understand the foundations of well-being;
- Uncover the cultural and systemic factors that contribute to Finland being the “happiest country”;
- Experience and gain insights from Finnish cultural values;
- Apply the concept of Finnish Sisu;
- Incorporate mindfulness and digital balance;
- Promote hope and purpose in learning;
- Foster empathy and community;
- Transform classroom culture.
Tentative schedule
Day 1 – Course introduction
- Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
- Icebreaker activities;
- Presentations of the participants’ schools. Understanding Happiness and Wellbeing;
- Examine why today’s generation is more prone to depression and anxiety;
- Understand the “four failures of well-being” and their impact on students;
- Discuss how happiness is a skill that can be learned.
Day 2 – Finnish Sisu for Resilience
- Uncover the cultural and systemic factors that contribute to Finland being the “happiest country”;
- Explore the concept of Finnish Sisu and its role in resilience and perseverance;
- Learn techniques to tackle negative self-talk and foster emotional strength in students;
- Discuss how to integrate Sisu into daily (school) life.
Day 3 – Mindfulness in nature and digital well-being
- Experience mindfulness techniques inspired by Finland’s strong connection to nature;
- Discover how outdoor activities can promote focus and emotional balance;
- Gain insights into Finland’s approach from digital safety to digital well-being.
Day 4 – Hope pedagogy in Finland
- Understand Hope Pedagogy in Finland and its role in fostering purpose and optimism;
- Explore strategies to help students envision meaningful futures;
- Design learning experiences that ignite curiosity and meaningfulness and empower students.
Day 5 – Community with empathy and trust
- Addressing loneliness by fostering empathy and connection in the classroom;
- Develop practices inspired by Finnish values of trust, equality, and inclusivity;
- Create an action plan to build a positive and connected school community.
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.
