Leuphana researchers develop successful online training programme for prospective teachers

The two psychologists have already proven the effectiveness of online stress management training for older professionals in a previous research project. They further developed the programme ‘Gelassen im Referendariat’ (Calm during your teaching internship), an online training course specifically designed for trainee teachers. It includes problem-solving strategies, regulation of unpleasant feelings, self-support and breathing exercises for relaxation.

A randomised controlled study showed that the training actually helps. ‘We see that “Gelassen im Referendariat” can help trainee teachers to noticeably reduce their stress and contribute to defusing this difficult phase,’ says Dr Hanna Heckendorf.

The training has been specially developed for the needs of trainee teachers. It combines proven health psychology content on dealing with stress with educational topics on classroom management. An additional module offers practical guidance on classroom management to help teachers cope with a restless or even chaotic classroom atmosphere.

Prof. Dr. Dirk Lehr, who heads the Department of Health Psychology at Leuphana University, says: "A basic principle of dealing with stress is that you have to invest resources, such as time, in order to gain new resources, such as good health. Especially when we are stressed, it is incredibly difficult to find the energy for an additional project, such as participating in a training course. However, our results show very clearly that this is worthwhile in the long term. With each training session completed, stress reduction increases.‘

Prof. Dr. Dirk Lehr and Dr. Hanna Heckendorf are currently looking for partners who would like to make ’Gelassen im Referendariat" available to prospective teachers across the board. A start has been made: Leuphana students can use the training in a self-help version free of charge as part of their health psychology courses.