The Aragonese Department of Education is set to launch two innovative pilot programs aimed at enhancing students’ emotional well-being and fostering positive classroom environments.
in January, the Aragonese Department of Education will introduce two pilot programs designed to improve emotional well-being and promote positive interactions among students. Announced by Education Minister Tomasa Hernández during the first meeting of the Aragonese Observatory for Coexistence and Against School Bullying, the first initiative, named Rebien, targets young children in early childhood and primary education. It aims to equip students with socio-emotional skills, helping them identify and manage their emotions while promoting mutual respect and violence prevention. The second program, Henka, focuses on secondary school students, aiming to reach 50 educational institutions. This initiative seeks to build resilience in adolescents aged 12 and older, addressing mental health challenges proactively. these programs complement existing initiatives like ‘Controla tu red’ and ‘Educación responsable,’ which collectively aim to safeguard students’ mental health and reduce conflicts in schools.
In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing student well-being, the Department of Education has launched a complete program in collaboration with the department of Health to address mental health and coexistence issues in schools. This program focuses on improving detection and intervention strategies,especially in schools with high incidences of open protocols related to mental health concerns. Recent data from the Educational Coexistence Observatory indicates that while the number of reported cases of suicidal ideation remains stable, with 286 protocols noted this year compared to 299 last year, there is a pressing need for continued support and training for well-being coordinators across educational institutions.The initiative has garnered interest from other regions looking to replicate its success, highlighting the importance of creating a safe, respectful, and supportive learning surroundings for all students.As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the educational landscape, experts are emphasizing the need for responsible implementation to enhance learning experiences. At the recent AI+Education Summit, leaders in academia and industry discussed how AI can provide personalized support for teachers and foster a judgment-free learning environment for students. They highlighted the potential of AI to improve assessment quality and transform educational practices, urging stakeholders to prioritize ethical considerations in its deployment. This dialogue is crucial as schools navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI technologies, ensuring that they contribute positively to educational dynamics and student well-being [[1]](https://hai.stanford.edu/news/ai-will-transform-teaching-and-learning-lets-get-it-right).
Time.news Interview: Enhancing Student Emotional Well-Being Through Innovative Programs
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Laura González,an expert in educational psychology and mental health. As the Aragonese Department of Education prepares to launch two promising pilot programs, we’re eager to explore their potential impact on student emotional well-being. Can you give us an overview of these initiatives?
Dr.González: Thank you for having me. The Aragonese Department of Education is introducing two pilot programs, rebien and Henka. Rebien focuses on early childhood and primary education, aiming to equip young children with socio-emotional skills.This initiative helps them identify and manage their emotions while promoting mutual respect and preventing violence.Conversely, Henka targets secondary school students. It aims to build resilience in adolescents aged 12 and older, wich addresses mental health challenges more proactively.
Editor: These programs seem to complement existing initiatives like ‘Controla tu red’ and ‘Educación responsable.’ How importent is it to have such layered support systems for students?
Dr. González: layered support systems are crucial. Research consistently shows that addressing emotional well-being at multiple levels increases the effectiveness of interventions.These programs not only provide immediate skill-building but also foster a supportive community, creating safe environments where students can thrive. As we observe stable rates of reported suicidal ideation, it’s vital that we continue to enhance detection and intervention strategies in schools, particularly those with high incidences of mental health protocols.
Editor: The collaboration between the departments of Education and Health is quite innovative. What implications do you see for other regions observing this initiative?
Dr. González: The collaborative approach is a model that many other regions can adopt. By integrating health and education, stakeholders can address the complexities of student mental health more effectively. This holistic strategy can lead to better outcomes and has the potential to be replicated, especially in areas with similar challenges. The emphasis on training well-being coordinators is also a crucial aspect, as these individuals will be the ones implementing these strategies on the ground.
Editor: as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into education, how can these pilot programs leverage AI technologies?
dr. González: AI can play a notable role in enhancing these programs by providing personalized support for students and teachers. For example, AI tools can help identify at-risk students through data analysis and provide tailored resources to meet their needs.Additionally, during the recent AI+Education Summit, experts discussed AI’s potential in fostering a judgment-free learning environment, which aligns perfectly with the goals of the Rebien and Henka programs.Though, ethical considerations must remain a priority in deploying these technologies to ensure they contribute positively and do not inadvertently cause harm.
Editor: What practical advice would you give to educators and policymakers looking to implement similar programs?
dr. González: My advice would be to prioritize collaboration across departments, involve educators in the program design, and ensure that there is ongoing support and training for staff involved. Gathering feedback from students and parents throughout the implementation process is also vital to understand the programs’ effectiveness and areas needing adjustment. as they embrace AI, educators should remain informed about ethical guidelines to harness its benefits responsibly.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. González, for sharing your insights on these critical programs. It’s clear that addressing students’ emotional well-being is more than just a goal; it requires dedicated strategies and the right tools to foster a supportive educational environment.
Dr. González: Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for us in education,and I look forward to seeing how these initiatives unfold and inspire others.