From cognitive to affective

In university education, there is a strong emphasis on cognitive learning: students acquire knowledge and skills. But what can they actually do with this? Knowledge about climate change, inequality or technological innovation often also evokes feelings, such as climate anxiety or frustration. Helping students deal effectively with these challenges requires broader development and calls for more than just skills or knowledge. It is not just about what you know, but moreover how you deal with it.

Empowered Minds therefore focuses on strengthening affective skills such as resilience, collaboration and critical thinking. ‘These skills are crucial because they help students not only understand what is going on in the world, but also how to respond to it and actually make an impact,’ de Greef says. These Inner Development Goals (IDGs), an international framework that helps develop personal and social competences, are needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Educational innovation

In cooperation with Eindhoven, Wageningen and Utrecht universities, the IIS has developed a toolbox of teaching materials, in which lecturers can find concrete forms of work to integrate inner development into their teaching. This material was developed in co-creation with lecturers and linked to a growing community within the university. To structurally embed these teaching materials, the IIS, in collaboration with TLC-central, received the prestigious Comenius Leadership grant. 'This grant gives us the opportunity to structurally integrate the Inner Development Goals into education at the UvA' said Linda. 'It enables us to work together with programmes to permanently embed these skills within curricula.' Specifically, in collaboration with the Zichtbare Leerlijnen Programme, programmes can develop a tailor-made, cross-curricular learning line Affective Learning while offering expert guidance in developing appropriate teaching and testing formats that seamlessly align with the intended learning outcomes.

Integration at fourteen UvA study programmes

The Empowered Minds project will run until February 2028. In September 2025, three study programmes will be the first to start implementation. After that, three new programmes will join every semester. This applies to both undergraduate and graduate programmes and is relevant to all faculties.

Within each study programme, we look at how the curriculum fits best. For example, in law school the focus may be on ethical action and judgment, while in sustainability education the emphasis may be on systems thinking and collaboration.

Special Interest Group (SIG)

In addition to implementation in training courses, a Special Interest Group is set up for teachers who want to delve deeper into Inner Development. Here, teachers can exchange experiences and explore new teaching methods.

Do you want to learn more?

Do you want to learn more about Empowered Minds? Then check out the project page. You can also register via the project page to participate with your course in the ZLP deepening programme Affective Learning.