Background to EAEN
The European Affective Education Network was established at a conference on affective education that was held in 1994 in the University of Warwick, UK; this conference was attended by representatives from ten European Countries. What brought the members together was the belief that there is more to education than transmitting information and feeding students facts, indeed that education is about the development of the whole child. Members also shared the view that learning does not take place in an affective vacuum, and that factors like students' self-esteem, the quality of their interpersonal relationships, and the general ethos of the school have a considerable impact on the educational process, and on students' achievements.
Through a series of meetings, seminars and conferences the Network thrived and developed. It currently has more than 100 members spread in 20 different European countries, and serves as a platform for informed debate and research activity on affective issues and related topics. The members come from several backgrounds including education, psychology, sociology and philosophy, thus bringing into the Network a multiplicity of perspectives and insights. Anyone with a genuine interest in affective education and involvement in the education system of a European country can become a member of EAEN. More details regarding membership can be obtained from the co-ordinator, Dr Peter Lang, at harlang@btinternet.com