Successful completion of the 2026 multi-day teacher training course
25 March 2026
The training was structured around four key questions:
- What do we mean by affective learning, and which theories and frameworks are relevant here?
- What do affective learning objectives look like (based, among other things, on Bloom’s taxonomy), and which learning activities align with them, for example from the Transition Makers Toolbox?
- How can you assess affective learning in a way that is authentic and aligns with your pedagogical beliefs?
- What role does feedback play in this?
What does affective learning require of the teacher within the learning environment? What expectations exist between teacher and student? And how do you position yourself as a teacher in the classroom: neutral or outspoken on content, and how do you navigate between these positions?
Under the guidance of trainers affiliated with the Empowered Minds project, participants worked across three levels: exploring theoretical frameworks, experiencing affective learning for themselves, and the practical design or redesign of their own course or learning pathway.
“Intuitively, I wanted to incorporate students’ personal growth into my courses, but I didn’t know how. Thanks to the ‘Affective Education’ course, I’ve learnt practical ways to integrate the affective dimension of the learning process into my teaching.”Jesse van Amelsvoort
"Students learn to discover what they need to know, what they should value, and which behaviours will help them get further."Yurrian Bikker
The sessions were characterised by openness, reflection and exchange. Working in changing pairs, teachers discussed their teaching practice, their role as educators and the values they wish to prioritise in their work. This combination of personal engagement and pedagogical exploration made the sessions both thought-provoking and inspiring.
“This intensive training was thoughtfully designed and provided valuable hands-on insight into affective content in education. The balance between theory and practice made the experience engaging and helped bridge the gap between concepts and real-world application. Being part of a small, diverse group of like-minded colleagues was especially inspiring. We actively shared ideas and engaged in open discussions within a supportive atmosphere, making it easy to experiment, learn, and grow together. The trainers were highly knowledgeable, dedicated, and enthusiastic, which made the entire experience even more rewarding.”Carolina Ivanescu
Our aim is to build on the connections made here and continue to develop a wider community focused on affective learning within the UvA. Were you unable to attend this time? Then keep an eye on our website and news updates – we’ll be launching a new training course in the spring of 2027.
About Affective Learning
Affective learning focuses on the development of students’ attitudes, values, emotions and motivation. It is about personal growth, engagement and the ability to contribute to an inclusive and just society.
The ‘Affective Education’ teacher training course is part of the Empowered Minds project, for which Linda de Greef (Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies) and Ilja Boor (Teaching & Learning Centre Centraal) have been awarded a Comenius Leadership Fellow Grant. The project aims to embed affective learning broadly within the University of Amsterdam’s educational programmes. This will better equip students to understand complex societal challenges and devise more effective solutions.