ESPLAT 2025 conference: Scientific thinking in challenging times

In times of social and economic complexity, which are creating increasing uncertainty, schools are facing greater challenges in psychosocial interaction. Supporting the psychosocial development of learners and strengthening teachers both in the classroom and in school interactions is therefore an important task.
Psychological concepts play a central role here, as they promote scientific thinking and support pupils and teachers in developing preventative and adaptive coping strategies through psychoeducation.
This article highlights how scientifically based methods can be used to support pupils and teachers in times of crisis. Central aspects are the promotion of critical thinking, emotional resilience and self-regulation. Particularly in challenging times, it becomes clear that students need psychological support to overcome fears, stress and insecurities in order to promote resilience and resources.
Using empirical research and real-world examples, it discusses how counseling and social interaction concepts can be implemented in schools to utilize evidence-based psychological principles. These include cognitive restructuring, metacognitive training and solution-focused interviewing. In addition, the role of teachers as multipliers of scientific thinking will be considered, empowering them through mentoring to guide students towards critical reflection, self-directed learning and helpful social interaction in groups.
The presentation will provide an overview of current research findings on the effectiveness of further education and highlight practice-oriented strategies for strengthening scientific thinking and mental health in the school environment. It will conclude with a discussion of the challenges and opportunities for the future of school counseling in an increasingly complex world.
This topic is equally relevant to psychologists and educators in academia and practice who are concerned with the interface of psychology, learning and teaching.