Collage Workshop: A Gentle Pause During the Orientation Week

As 2025 tutors for the Changing Education (CE) programme, we organized several activities to welcome the newcomers. It’s always exciting to meet new people and refreshing to see passionate educators from all over the world. Every discussion and introduction lights up new opportunities and inspires me as a second-year student.

Among all the activities we held, I would like to highlight the collage workshop. It was intentionally designed to create an inclusive space, especially for those who might not enjoy outdoor or highly social events. During the intense and fulfilling orientation week, we wanted to offer a quiet, reflective moment for everyone. The aim was to remind participants of the courage that brought them here, and to give them a chance to take home a small “wish” for the journey ahead. The workshop also aimed to create a psychologically safe space, which is a key foundation of Social and Emotional Learning(SEL), where participants could slow down, listen, and connect with themselves and others without pressure.

Although the creative process was open and flexible, the workshop was gently guided by reflective questions. Each participant drew two prompts, one about oneself and one about education.

Questions about oneself:

1. The energy I brought with me from home.

2. The future version of me I want to meet.

3. A wish I want to send to my future self.

4. Something I want to let go of, and something I want to welcome.

   
   

Questions about education:

1. Education means ______ to me.

2. The future of learning in my eyes.

3. My dream learning environment looks like…

4. What motivates me to learn?

   
   

With these guiding questions, everyone started creating naturally, even without being asked to, and began sharing their thoughts and feelings. It was heartwarming to see the group build a safe and supportive atmosphere together. I felt proud of this workshop, not only for its outcome but for how it allowed people to slow down and connect inwardly.

Beyond being a creative activity, the collage workshop also reflected the essence of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). Through guided reflection and artistic expression, participants practiced self-awareness by identifying their motivations, values, and emotions, and social awareness by appreciating others’ diverse perspectives shared in the group.

To me, this workshop was more than a creative session, it was a small practice of SEL in action. It reminded me that learning begins with understanding ourselves, connecting with others, and creating spaces where everyone feels seen and valued. I also hope participants can revisit this idea anytime they need a moment for self-reflection. You don’t need much, just a magazine, scissors, and a bit of quiet time. Collect pieces that inspire you, turn them into wishes, and let art speak for what words cannot. Sometimes, through art, we find it easier to express ourselves and even discover a part of who we are in others’ creations.

About the Author

Hey, I’m Eva(Hsin-Yi) from Taiwan!🌷

I am a second-year student in the Changing Education program and a trainee in the University of Helsinki marketing team. Before joining CE, I was a middle school teacher in health and stage performance, believing that education can be more creative and inclusive. I have a teaching background and a strong interest in Social Emotional Learning, both inside and outside school. Personally, I love crafting and greeting dogs on the street a lot.✨