The project ‘Practice You: Well-being at the heart of hospitality’ provides insights into student well-being within the context of Hotelschool The Hague (HTH) and hospitality in a broader sense. The project is based on positive psychology and the growth-mind set philosophy (Dweck, 2017; Stoltz, 1997).
Various well-being programs in education already exist. Our approach is unique, because of its academic underpinning, integration in the curriculum an its combination of four focus areas:: authentic happiness, competency, social- and emotional skills (Schonert-Reichl & Stewart Lawlor, 2010; Santos, 1997).
Background and aim of the project
Although the general student well-being at HTH is above average, the stress levels are at times higher than average. This reflects the high pressure situations of their prospective careers in the hospitality industry. Students experience a myriad of social, emotional, and behavioral challenges that interfere with their interpersonal relationships, school success and their potential to become competent adults (Greenberg et al. 2001). As a hospitality business school, HTH strives to provide students with sufficient knowledge; growing their knowledge/intelligence (IQ), emotional (EQ) and adversity (AQ) competencies to make a difference in the industry (HTH Institutional Plan, 2018). Over the past years development of competencies has increased in importance (Tesone & Ricci, 2005) to foster retention within the working environment (Ghiselli, La Lopa & Bai, 2001). The role of education in supporting well-being is crucial, and can have a significant impact on overall study success (Neil & Christensen, 2009; Schonert-Reichl & Stewart Lawlor, 2010).
The aim of this project is to provide practical and sustainable outcomes that are integrated in the HTH-curriculum, with as its main goal to support awareness and application of educational innovations around student well-being.
Description of the project
By applying a design-based research approach, the project took a bottom up perspective (through a diverging converging process) by collaborating with almost 40 graduating bachelor students. Together different studies were designed and executed ranging from quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method approaches. Out of the different studies the project team reviewed all outcomes and ‘converged’ (based on literature review, solution testing and student reflections) these into one specific product (the HTH Student Well-Being framework, see products) and supporting recommendations.
Evaluation and results
Through continuous reflection (with the students and amongst the project team), the final evaluation resulted in the following main take-aways: the important role of students taking part in the resarch, involving stakeholders from start 'till end, and focusing on sustainable implementations. The following outcomes are designed to be implemented as part of the actual curriculum, rather than as extra-curricular activities.
Practical solutions that can be used and implemented in the curriculum to directly foster creating impact are:
- HTH Student Well-Being Framework: This framework, based on the outcomes of the research, is envisioned to be part of the HTH Strategy and Educational Plan to be integrated in the curriculum (currently in process of development).
- HTH Initiatives: Outcomes have been shared and will be further integrated in ongoing initiatives around student well-being: Study Succes, Tutor line, Connect @HTH, Curriculum Innovation Committee, and Learning Community IQEQAQ.
Sustainable (i.e. long-term viable) recommendations that came forward from this project are:
- Transformational Implementation Inspirator: It is recommended to create budget for an experienced stakeholder further driving the implementation of the recommendations.
- Mindfulness Course: Two voluntary mindfulness in business courses are hosted every block; one for students and one for employees.
- Celebration Event: As completion of the project, and as start of a new journey for HTH – focusing more on the integration of EQ and AQ- hosting a future event. The event is to share, present and host the outcomes of the research in a festive, informative, inspiring and business oriented manner.
General recommendations on designing future student well-being initiatives:
- offer students a safe environment where there is room to share, play (gamification) and grow
- increase student-teacher relationship
Products and documentation
Comenius Teaching Fellowship 2019
