Title: Reframing Well-Being in Education: Generational Change, Digital Tools, and Emotional Development
Name of presenter: Rita Kattein-Pornói, PhD
Affiliation and academic title: Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Assistant Professor
Email address: kattein-pornoi.rita@gtk.bme.hu
Keywords: well-being, generations, Emotional Intelligence, EQducation Project, pedagogy, teacher communication
Abstract:
This presentation focuses on the well-being of teachers and students, which in recent years has become a key issue in both higher and public education. Generational expectations, the growing use of online tools, and the development of emotional intelligence (EI) all strongly influence the quality of teaching and learning. Based on research and practical experience, it is increasingly evident that, in addition to traditional, frontal knowledge transfer, there is a need for innovative approaches that take into account the digital habits of Generation Z and Alpha, as well as the psychological factors of student and teacher well-being.
The aim of the presentation is, on the one hand, to demonstrate how knowledge transfer can be enriched through interactive and cooperative digital tools such as Padlet, which offers opportunities for collaborative thinking and reflective learning. On the other hand, special attention will be given to the EQducation project, which employs card games and emotion-focused activities to develop emotional intelligence, thereby fostering positive teacher–student relationships and supporting stress management.
Generational expectations, digital tools, and the development of emotional competencies together can contribute to ensuring that participants in education not only acquire knowledge, but also gain skills that help them maintain mental health and professional motivation amidst the challenges of the 21st century society and labor market. Through concrete examples, the presentation will illustrate how well-being-centered pedagogy can be realized and what practical models can support both teachers and students in everyday educational processes.