Programme and videos: Student well-being in the Nordic countries

14:00

14:05

Messages from Nordic Ministers:

Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen - Video
Minister for Higher Educaton and Science, Denmark

Liv Andersson - Video
Minister for Education, Finland

Mathilda Ernkrans - Video
Minister for Higher Education and Research, Sweden

Aase Marthe Johansen Horrigmo - Video
Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Norway

14:30

Introduction by moderator Prof Vibeke Koushede, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and
presentation of student lead discussion panel:
Ms Sofie Villadsen, Danish Student Forum UC, and Mr Sandi Rixvic, National Union of Students in Denmark (DSF) - Video

14:40

Video

Prof Martin Seligman, University of Pennsylvania, USA

Positive Psychology and Positive Education

There are five elements of Positive Psychology (PERMA): Positive emotion, Engagement, Good Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. Increasing these causes more productivity at school and work, better physical health, lower mortality, less depression and less anxiety. PERMA skills have been taught in many schools around the globe producing increases in national standardized examinations, lower depression, and increased life satisfaction.

Followed by student lead discussion

15:35

Video

Prof Sonja Lyubomirsky, University of California Riverside, USA

The How of Happiness: Boosting Well-Being Through Kindness and Connection

During both normal times and challenging circumstances like today, happiness not only feels good; it is good. Happy youth and adults have more friends, are healthier, and are more creative and productive. Fortunately, experiments have shown that we can intentionally increase our happiness. In this presentation, I will introduce a model that explains when and why boosting connection and practicing kindness can promote well-being and other positive outcomes, transforming us into happier and more flourishing individuals.

Followed by student lead discussion

16:20

Video

Dr. Ruth Graham, rhgraham.org, UK

The impact of COVID-19 on engineering education: the emerging emphasis on student well-being

A study is underway, looking at the impact of the COIVD-19 pandemic and the current period of ‘emergency teaching’ on global best practices in engineering education.  What has been particularly striking about the early outcomes is the emerging emphasis being placed – by engineering schools and universities from across the world – on student well-being, peer-support and community-building in the online environment.  In this talk, I will outline the focus and early outcomes of the ongoing study, and highlight some of the new developments that are centred on student well-being.

Followed by student lead discussion

16:50

17:00