Research-based approach in student well-being work and its development

Student well-being work and its sustainable, resource-wise development require a research-based approach, based on which activities can be critically assessed in relation to changes in the state of student well-being. The systematic research-based development of student well-being continues to seek its form in higher education institutions. Three levels can be identified in the research-based approach:

At the first level (student level), research-based indicators are used to monitor interventions and measures. Based on research, electronic self-assessment tools have also been developed for study skills, study ability and experiences of well-being, which provide feedback for the student and can also support for the guidance process.

At the second level (higher education level), the indicators have been used in higher education institution-specific surveys for the monitoring and evaluation of student well-being. Such surveys can be used to target the collection of information on topical issues at the educational institution in question.

At the third level (national level), national surveys can provide comparable data on students in an individual higher education institution in relation to others. The National Student Health and Well-being Survey (KOTT) produces unique, comprehensive and regular information on student well-being. University well-being is also measured in the Bachelor's Graduate Survey, for example. The challenge in the use of research-based indicators is their systematic utilisation in the guidance of individual students, in the planning and implementation of well-being services and in evaluation. National cooperation between higher education institutions could also be developed more efficiently by utilising the research-based approach.