It has been widely reported in recent times how students are suffering more psychological challenges than previously, particularly since Covid. Surveys such as the KOTT survey (2023) suggest that whilst enthusiasm for studying had grown, 35% of university students report suffering study exhaustion. The same survey found that ‘the number of diagnosed neuropsychiatric disorders in higher education students has doubled in three years. Student health association, FSHS, also found that the number of students seeking diagnostic investigations for neuropsychiatric disorders is much higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic.’[1] In another recent survey in Oulu (2023), 65% of students reported well-being issues and one third of respondents reported suffering from anxiety or depression.[2] The 2digi2 project Special Needs[3] group survey (2022) found not only that 35% of respondents admitted to difficulties with learning, but that 70% of those that did report difficulties had received no support or special arrangements for their studies. In Kievi, we have anecdotally noticed an increasing demand for special arrangements with students asking for alternative ways to complete their courses. This, in turn, places an extra strain on our teachers. So, what can be done about this situation and what have we done in Kievi?
What we have done in Kievi
At the heart of what we do has been the notion that whilst we are dealing with ‘special’ needs, all that we can do to accommodate them can also equally well be applied to all students. Thus, by attempting to make all teaching inclusive and clear can minimize the need for many kinds of special arrangements. The second pillar of support for teachers has been consistent training in place to help with potentially difficult situations. We have arranged training from our own university (Paula Pietilä and Essi Huhka) and also externally with a workshop from the 2digi2 Special Needs group.
The third part of our support is a wealth of resources made available for teachers to help in all kinds of situations. We have a dedicated Moodle section to looking after all learners full of information, videos and advice on dealing with students with a variety physical and psychological issues. This section is also linked to the 2digi2 special needs materials https://2digi2.languages.fi/special-needs/ that provides further help.
The final part of the support is having a clear system for dealing with all kinds of learners. Our management staff are on hand in the first instance to help and evaluate situations. Our Best Practice Guide also gives concrete advice and links to university rules and resources. The latest part of this equation has been the creation of a Study Wellbeing Advisor as part of a pilot program. Our Swedish teacher, Nina Numminen, is a qualified solution-oriented therapist and she is now available to help both students and teachers when problem situations arise. In this way, both are supported to find equitable solutions: students are listened to and helped and it helps teachers from becoming over-burdened.
We hope that by creating these resources our students and teachers can work together for the best possible outcomes.
Resources
2digi2 special needs video playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyQGqxeSRjw&list=PLGLq_F5ygQLUFv3lMK2mX0XCBRY1rzbDS
2digi2 learning objectives and brain health video playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojnkjL0DZdk&list=PLEd1N3UE_MrgTOgTrp90SYgwTkO6e0w1i
[1] https://www.yths.fi/en/news/2025/enthusiasm-for-studying-has-grown-among-higher-education-students-students-also-active-in-seeking-help-with-study-related-issues/?utm_source=chatgpt.com&cn-reloaded=1