Summa continues research into 'personalized education'

Summa's strategic direction emphasizes job satisfaction and student happiness. In this context, Summa's Relational Working Practitionership is conducting research on "personalized education" in various areas within the organization and how it can contribute to Summa's strategic direction. In its recently launched research project, "Team Leaders Speak Out," the Practitionership focuses on the role of the team leader.

"We see team leaders as a key link in the realization of Summa2025," says Hans Panjoel, practitioner in the Relational Working Practitioner program. "Team leaders play a connecting role. Not only between people, both within and outside the organization, but also between strategy and implementation. This research provides insight into the world of team leaders, and into the knowledge and experience that will help realize the vision of Summa2025."

The "Team Leaders Speak Out" study was conducted using a random sample, meaning that the participating team leaders were selected at random. Thirty-two team leaders—from both service and educational teams—received an invitation to participate. This represents approximately half of the team leaders within Summa. Most interviews have now taken place. The input is being processed, and the themes emerging from the interviews are being analyzed. As soon as the results are available, they will be shared on the intranet and website.

Previously, the Practorate for Relational Work conducted research into personalized education with – and among – students and educational staff throughout Summa. This includes the 'Van Waarde' study, concerning the most valuable and worthless educational moments of Summa students. You can read about this in this research report . For more studies and stories about personalized education and relational work in education, visit the Practorate for Relational Work webpage.

Personalized education is education with genuine attention for every student and staff member. People with unique talents, vulnerabilities, and dreams. People who learn and grow in connection with one another. Educational staff from across Summa, through the Relational Working Practorate, are conducting research into relational approaches to education. This is essential for connecting effectively with the worlds of both staff and students. This allows us to shape personalized learning pathways that contribute to happiness.

Do you work at Summa and would you like to discuss with your colleagues what personalized education and relational working can mean for your team? Or would you like to jointly promote a more inclusive work and learning environment within your department or study program? The Relational Working Practorship offers various sessions, working methods, and materials to facilitate dialogue on this topic, develop an action plan, and take concrete steps. Do you have a question or would you like to explore the possibilities? Please contact us via email.

Do you work at an educational organization other than Summa and are you involved in themes such as student well-being, student happiness, diversity, inclusion, and relational work, and would you like to exchange ideas about this? Feel free to contact me via email to discuss further.