Aarhus programme changes hours to tackle student burnout

An educational programme for chaos pilots in Aarhus has changed its schedule to accommodate different sleep patterns and reduce student burnout, DR reports.

Caroline Victoria Raundahl, who has just completed the programme, proposed changing the weekly timetable. She said there was a burnout culture among students.

“The programme has so much potential, but if you do not have the energy, capacity or time to engage with it as you would like, we miss out on a good education,” she said.

Previously, students had active group teaching from 9am to 4pm on all five weekdays. They now have more freedom to organise their reading and preparation time. Students start at 9.30am and finish at 2.45pm.

Alexandra Hasdorf, a team leader at the programme, said the changes had given students more energy and made them feel better prepared to learn. They could now work in the way that was most effective for each individual, she said, adding that this could also benefit their future workplaces.

Camilla Kring, a civil engineer and expert on human sleep patterns, said the positive response was not surprising. She said the conventional 8am to 4pm working day did not suit everyone.

“Almost all young people are evening types. When they start later, they get more sleep, and therefore more energy and better learning,” Kring said. She argued that schedules should be changed to support human biology.