Active Learning Strategies to Promote Student-Teacher Engagement and Well-being (Part I)
A 1 Day In-Person training course was held on the 8th of November 2023 at the Atma Jaya Catholic University (ATM) Campus Semanggi in Jakarta, Indonesia. Participants included members and tutors from Atma Jaya Catholic University (ATM) of Indonesia attended the training led by trainers from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) at ATM.
The training content consisted of:
Session 1: Introductions
- Gain an understanding of the concept of Well-being.
- Delve into the historical origins of “Eudaimonia,” also known as well-being, and its characteristics.
- Explore the various dimensions and components of well-being.
- Recognize the importance and value of well-being in daily functioning.
Session 2: Anxiety in Education
- Comprehend the concepts of anxiety and stress and their impact on overall well-being.
- Gain acquires practical knowledge of brain functions and the activation/mechanisms of the fight-or-flight response.
- Understand the distinctions between different types of stress: acute stress (short-term), episodic acute stress (frequent bouts of acute stress), and chronic stress (long-term stress).
- Develop practical skills to recognize/identify and address prolonged experiences of anxiety and stress.
Session 3: Burnout in Education and ways to Prevent It
- Understand the sources and causes of teacher stress and anxiety.
- Examine the concept of professional burnout in educational settings and its impact on both physical and mental health.
- Identify practical strategies to enhance resilience under high-pressure work conditions.
- Discuss methods to prevent burnout in the field of higher education, including reevaluating priorities.
Session 4: Mindfulness and Breathing Techniques
- Gain practical knowledge and insights into the mean scores of participants’ Anxiety, Burnout, and Resilience measurements to promote a healthier work-life balance.
- Identifying and addressing early indicators of mental health concerns/Participants gain knowledge of their own states of anxiety and how it is related to their professional and personal situations.
- Learn about the applications of mindfulness principles and breathing techniques.
- Acquire insights into the practices to mitigate and prevent burnout when working in higher education settings and prioritize mental well-being in their professional and personal lives.
Following aspects were covered in this workshop:
The training course provided a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of stress, anxiety, and burnout in educational settings and increase awareness of student-teacher mental health issues. Recognizing these signs is the first step in addressing and managing anxiety, thereby contributing to a happier, more productive/engaged work/educational environment. It is essential for both educators and students to be vigilant and supportive, providing an environment where those experiencing anxiety feel safe to seek help and discuss their challenges.
Participants gained both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to identify and apply these concepts in their teaching and as well in their research activities.