Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Credits: 5
Schedule: 16.09.2020 - 12.05.2021
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Lidia Borisova, Lauri Järvilehto, Johannes Kaira
Contact information for the course (valid 10.08.2020-21.12.2112):
Teachers: Johannes Kaira - johannes.kaira@aalto.fi, Lidia Borisova - lidia.borisova@aalto.fi
Course assistant: Linh Duong - thuy.duong@aalto.fi
CEFR level (applies in this implementation):
Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
Applies in this implementation:
Design, build and test a routine in 9 months.
A unique nine-month routine and time management course that creates a framework for personal growth by providing dynamics and models for structuring time. In addition, the course brings global trends of well-being, life design and self-development, preparing yourself the stamina and habits to cope with both success and failures. During 9 months, students will build a routine activity, learn how to maintain, iterate, develop it, and in a long-run apply the methods and know-hows to bigger goals and aspects in life.
As we all have learned, circumstances can change rapidly. But, self-improvements are not miracles! They are the result of small daily practices and decisions that need more than one’s patience. The Corona outbreak is a good example of an event that has forced us to learn new thinking models, including our daily routines.
It is so common nowadays that we are told to be flexible and adaptive, at the same time to be creative and innovative. However, the ability to either adapt and ideate requires a massive set of skills that can take years to build. One big factor in adaptability is the ability to learn and adopt new thinking patterns and skills, while sustaining basic life.
The good starting point is the ignition and sustainability of routines. Good Life Engine introduces well-being and mindfulness topics that support and encourage students to manifest ideas or goals into actual routines supporting such ideas and goals.
This is the course open for everyone who wants to make a change! It can for example help to create useful structures for studies, but it can be fused with any extra curricular activity. As long as it sparks an interest for you. It is going to be a long journey, so there's room to experiment and adjust the routine content.
The Dialogue
Topics cover well being, habit formation and prioritization with focus on the practical level. Speakers represent a variety of fields, ranging from choreography to psychology and business. This series of talks is designed to provide practical tools, new perspectives and moments of reflection during the journey.
Group meetings are the moments for peer support and discussion with the teachers. Groups are there to create a healthy amount of peer pressure and work as a team for reflective work. In addition to the group meetings, every month there's a talk by a professional or a researcher.
The Assignment
Good Life Engine assignment is to design, build and maintain a routine. During 9 months students evaluate their goals and pick a routine which they believe best serves the goal of their choosing. On a practical level, it's largely time management and prioritization, however it's not just calendar precision, but also an emotional process with a lot of personal reflection.
Psychologists of Aalto All Well are helping us with their expertise. To keep the process motivating, the goal can and is encouraged to be reassigned during the course. We are applying the design thinking concept to shape the routine until it provides true value to you. Product development and the build, measure, learn cycle is at the heart of AVP education.
Learning goals
To understand how the big picture with career plans and personal development can be connected in a sustainable way.
To find most suitable methods to turn a plan to action, while the rest of the life pushes on.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Applies in this implementation:
Evaluation: Pass/Fail.
Monthly session (2h/month): To go along with the course’ narratives, the course will cover 9 conceptual topics in 9 months to provide the theories and guidance to execute the routines. Participating in the monthly sessions is compulsory.
Once a month, students will have a monthly session that is held for both Good Life Engine students and the public. The sessions are part of AVP open event;
Guidance/Coaching session: One or two times per semester. Students will meet the teachers to learn the practices of execution of the routine, to get advice for building, maintaining, and improving the routines. There are 2 compulsory guidance sessions;
- Individual work: Students individually execute well-being routines based on the given guidelines and do individual assignments in a given time frame;
DETAILS
Study Material
Applies in this implementation:
The monthly session materials will be uploaded to MyCourses under 'Monthly session' section if the guest speaker agrees to share.
Exercise materials are described in 'Exercises' section, and examples of previous works by last year's students are uploaded in 'Material bank'.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Details on the schedule
Applies in this implementation:
From September to December
The narrative of the course is first to familiarize the students with the concept of steady, daily process and incremental changes. After the introduction, the focus will be on executing the routine (for example, exercise, journal, sleep/recovery) to build a strong base. Tracking the routine is an important part of the course as it is the ‘physical evidence’ that students have maintained and made progress throughout the course.
16.09 - Course introduction. Guest lecturer: Lauri Järvilehto, Professor of Practice, Aalto Ventures Program.
14.10 - Habit implementation. Guest lecturer: Merita Petäjä, Psychologist, Aalto AllWell.
11.11 - Connecting with your body. Guest lecturer: Tero Hytönen, choreographer and visual artist.
16.12 - T.B.A.
From January onwards
In the latter part of the course, the focus is transformed to expansion and scalability. Part of the scalability is to maintain the positive changes and drive them forward to other aspects in life, as well as to encourage others to start building proactive behaviors.
13.01 - T.B.A.
17.02 - T.B.A.
17.03 - T.B.A.
14.04 - T.B.A.
12.05 - T.B.A.
- Teacher: Duong Linh
- Teacher: Järvilehto Lauri
- Teacher: Kaira Johannes
- Teacher: Rauramo Lidia