We will be taking an in-depth look at the wellbeing of children based on the Unicef report card 16. In this report research shows that Dutch children of all 41 countries are ranked the highest when it comes to the most prevalent indicators of wellbeing. Some articles have even suggested that Dutch children are the happiest children in the world. Throughout the course we will discuss what wellbeing is and if everyone has the same view and understanding when it comes to what wellbeing actually is. In which the Unicef report card 16 will give the student some comprehensive tools for a clearer understanding of the indicators of wellbeing.  

The Unicef report focuses on 5 dimensions which contribute to the wellbeing of children; Material wellbeing, Health and Safety, Education, Behaviours and risks, Housing and environment. According to the researchers they consider these 5 dimensions to be most influential to the wellbeing of children. In this module you will do research about the indicators that contribute to a child’s wellbeing in an urban setting, considering the educational perspective. Within the indicator Education, you can find many factors that may contribute to children’s wellbeing. What aspects of Education contribute to the wellbeing of children?  

We will invite guest lecturers from different fields of expertise to discuss their perspectives on wellbeing. A group research assignment about the wellbeing of children will be part of the course. It will concern a subject of choice which you will find most interesting to do research about.

The main objective is to broaden the view and to acquire different perspectives concerning the wellbeing of children in an urban environment. 

The intercultural and international component is also very visible. The objective here is to work in an international group and to enhance the intercultural and (English) language competence as there will also be international students joining the course.   

The minor is designed to help students acquire research skills and competencies in the area of writing and oral presentation. For third year students this is a very helpful minor to practice for their thesis in the fourth year.  

The curriculum includes lectures and seminars, workshops, practical assignments, opportunities to consult with experts, fieldwork, school practices and excursions.

Affinity with (primary) education 

Two years (or more) of higher education

Books, articles, reports

Practical research, presentations, assignments and practical assessments, attendance.

Re-examination practical research: Final grade of this particular assessment needs to be sufficient (5,5) to pass the minor. 

Students will receive a passing grade for the minor ‘Educating Children in an Urban Environment’ when successfully completing research concerning a dimension or indicator of the wellbeing of children and a presentation (by showing the progress through the online platform) in which the research is creatively laid out. Students will be trained in setting up the online platform to be able to do so.