Higher Education Knowledge Café: Student Well-Being and Everyday Teacher-Student Interactions

The Higher Education Knowledge Café, titled 'Student Well-Being and Everyday Teacher-Student Interactions', is an engaging event hosted by Universiteit Leiden in Leiden, Netherlands, focusing on the critical role of student well-being in higher education. This initiative is a part of Leiden University’s vision which emphasizes strengthening the bond between teachers and students as a means to enhance student development and well-being. Despite the significance of these interactions, little practical progress has been made to date. Recognizing this gap, the café aims to explore how everyday interactions between teachers and students can foster a supportive learning environment that promotes both academic and personal growth.Participants of the café, including lecturers, students, and support staff, will have the opportunity to engage in plenary presentations and small group discussions led by a Professor of Educational Sciences, who specializes in interpersonal relationships in education. The event encourages active participation, allowing attendees to share their experiences and insights while discussing the theoretical frameworks and measurement of lecturer-student interactions. This collaborative atmosphere is designed to facilitate the exchange of ideas among educators, researchers, students, and policymakers, enhancing the overall educational experience. The café is open to all individuals associated with Leiden University, inviting anyone interested in educational research to explore how these insights can be applied to their teaching and learning practices. As part of the event, participants are encouraged to suggest topics for future Knowledge Cafés, fostering an ongoing dialogue about the importance of student well-being in higher education.