Two highly successful experiential workshops titled “Exploring character strengths to support wellbeing through LEGO Serious Play” took place at our premises, the Laboratory of Psychology, Educational Research and Media in Education (Future Lab) of the University of the Aegean. The first workshop was held on Tuesday, June 9th, and was addressed to the University’s staff, while the second took place on Wednesday, June 10th, welcoming Primary and Secondary Education teachers from Rhodes.
We had the great pleasure of hosting two distinguished academics from University College Cork, Ireland, to facilitate the workshops: Dr. Zelda Di Blasi, Senior Lecturer in Applied Psychology specializing in positive psychology and wellbeing, and Sinead Moynihan, Lecturer in the School of Clinical Therapies, whose research focuses on play and design thinking. The initiative was held under the direction of the Lab Director, Professor of the Department of Primary Education Mr. Alivizos (Loizos) Sofos, while the organizational coordination was managed by Dimitris Spanos, Laboratory Teaching Staff (EDIP) member of the Department.
Through this English-taught initiative, and utilizing the LEGO Serious Play methodology (featuring tools such as storytelling and model building), we provided the educational community with a valuable opportunity to step back from the demands of their daily practice for 90 minutes. With no prior experience required, participants reconnected with their personal strengths and creativity. They explored innovative approaches to communication, wellbeing, and active engagement, and worked through experiential ways to address challenges within educational environments. As a research group, we actively continue to develop initiatives that bridge academic knowledge with society, fostering innovation, collaboration, and personal growth.