Within the framework of the collaborative project “Fostering Resilience in Teacher Education” (FoResT) conducted by the University of Bern and the Bern University of Teacher Education (PHBern), the digital learning platform FoResT was developed to systematically strengthen the resilience of pre-service teachers. The platform is firmly embedded in the teacher education programme at PHBern and is used annually by around 250 students at the Institute of Primary Education. Over the course of a semester, students engage with modules on resilience, relationships, well-being, emotions, mindfulness, and taking initiative. Through the close integration of research and practice, FoResT combines robust scientific grounding with high practical relevance.

Building on these experiences, the subproject FoResTCHAT – a cooperation between the University of Bern, PHBern and Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) – further develops the platform towards AI-supported, interactive and personalised learning environments. FoResTCHAT addresses previous limitations in individualisation and interaction by integrating locally hosted large language models (LLMs). These enable reflective dialogues, adaptive learning tasks and immediate, process-oriented feedback. In this way, FoResTCHAT supports pre-service teachers in developing adaptive coping strategies, fosters motivation and self-regulation, and contributes to the sustainable strengthening of resilience. The use of AI is consistently guided by ethical principles, strict data protection and privacy standards.

• University of Bern, Institute of Educational Science, Department of School and Instructional Research
• Bern University of Teacher Education (PHBern), Institute of Primary Education
• Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH), Engineering and Information Technology

• Prof. Dr. Tina Hascher
• Dr. Melanie Nuoffer
• Anna Pavlova
• Prof. Dr. Kirsten Denecke
• Daniel Reichenpfader 

January 2026 to december 2027

In the predecessor project FoResT, a digital learning platform for fostering resilience among teacher education students was developed, evaluated, and implemented. The project aimed to bridge research and practice, support individual learning processes, and strengthen the long-term health of the target group.

Website: https://forest.edu.unibe.ch/mehr_zu_forest

Website: https://forest.edu.unibe.ch/mehr_zu_forest

Krummenacher, I., Guidon. I., & Hascher, T. (2024). Mediendidaktische Prinzipien in der Praxis. Entwicklung und Implementierung der Lernplattform FoResT zur Resilienzförderung bei Studierenden der Lehrer:innenbildung. MedienPädagogik: Zeitschrift für Theorie und Praxis der Medienbildung. MedienPädagogik, 440-472. https://doi.org/10.21240/mpaed/00/2024.12.09.X