Conference | Kenniscafé
Higher Education Knowledge Café: Student wellbeing and the role of everyday teacher-student interactions
- Date
- Tuesday 30 June 2026
- Time
- Address
- To be announced
Student wellbeing and everyday teacher-student interactions
At Leiden University, many initiatives are taking place to foster student wellbeing. One of the core pillars in Leiden University's vision on student wellbeing is the ambition to strengthen bonds between staff and students. However, this ambition has so far not led to concrete initiatives. This is a missed opportunity, since research has shown that teacher-student interactions in and outside class play an important role in student wellbeing. Moreover, such interactions help to create learning environments where students can flourish, academically and personally.
During the knowledge café, we discuss what research on the role of everyday teacher-student interactions can play in fostering student wellbeing.
What to expect
Expert on teacher-student interactions, prof.dr. Tim Mainhard, from the Institute of Education and Child Studies at Leiden University, will let you experience the importance of interpersonal relations. Plenary presentations and small-group discussions will allow you to grasp the underlying concepts and relate these to your own practice.
For whom?
Anyone who works or studies at Leiden University and is interested in research into higher education. If you are curious about what educational research can mean for your own (teaching) practice, you are more than welcome, whatever function or role you have.
Whether you are teacher, student or support staff, this knowledge café will offer you plenty of inspiration how you can contribute, directly or indirectly, to a vibrant learning environment!
Programme
| 15.00 - 15.30 hrs | Doors open; coffee and tea |
| 15.30 - 16.00 hrs | Interactive introduction into theory and measurement of teacher-student interactions |
| 16.00 - 16.45 hrs | Discussion |
| 16.45 - 17.30 hrs | Drinks |
Participation
Come to this Higher Education Knowledge Café to exchange ideas with fellow lecturers, students, educational support staff and policymakers based on insights from scientific research.
Participation in the knowledge café is free of charge. We do ask the participants to actively participate in the discussions, so that we can make optimal use of all the available expertise.
Registration
Registration is open until Wednesday 24 June 2026. A maximum of 60 participants applies.
Registration form
The Higher Education Knowledge Cafés summarised:
- Interaction: Share your experiences, provide input and get inspired. We will converse with each other in plenary activity and in small groups.
- Input from experts: Academics from Leiden University who are involved in research into higher education share scientific insights on a topic of interest.
- New topics: Propose a topic for the next Higher Education Knowledge Café.
- Drinks: Take time to share your insights with others.