Have you ever caught a child doing something good? Have you spoken positively about a colleague behind their back? When and why did you manage to create a positive, inspiring, and flourishing atmosphere in a learning environment? Perhaps you’ve been utilizing the techniques of positive psychology then.
Positive education is based on positive psychology, which studies what makes individuals and communities thrive and flourish. It focuses on an individual’s strengths, resources, opportunities, successes, and abilities rather than on mistakes and problems. Positive psychology is basically credited by Martin Seligman, a U.S. professor whose PERMA+V well-being theory is one of the most significant psychological theories of the 21st century.
Positive pedagogy is an approach to teaching and education that centers on a child’s resources, strengths, and overall well-being. Its goal is to create an inspiring learning environment where students can thrive and reach their full potential. Positive pedagogy is based on the idea that positive experiences and highlighting strengths promote learning and motivation.
The core ideas of positive education are strengths and encouragement. It is an approach that seeks to support a child’s holistic development through gentle and constructive interaction. This approach emphasizes boosting a child’s self-esteem, managing emotions, and learning collaboration skills. Integrating the principles of positive parenting into the learning environment brings long-term benefits to both children and society at large as children better learn social skills.
Positive pedagogy also focuses on discovering strengths in each child and utilizing them in teaching and education. Utilizing character strengths, as classified by the VIA (Values in Action) survey by Park and Peterson in 2006, supports children’s self-confidence and positive self-image. These strengths can be discussed with students. Recognizing strengths promotes learning, overall well-being, and community strengthening, and they can be used in many ways to support teaching.
Psychologist Lawrence J. Cohen believes that almost all unwanted child behavior is related to disconnection. According to positive pedagogy, creating a strong connection between a child and an adult is another meaningful aspect of education and upbringing. A good educator invests in a connection, which means responding to a child’s needs, active listening, respect, presence and acceptance. A strong positive connection reduces unwanted behavior.
Cohen introduced the concept of the “emotional cup” to explain the impact of emotions on learning. The emotional cup empties during the day due to disconnection, setbacks, difficult emotions or tiredness. The emptier it becomes, the more likely a child is to behave undesirably. Therefore, teachers should use encouragement and presence to refill the emotional cup, enabling better learning.
In addition to connection, another essential element of positive education is anticipation. Proactive education involves informing students in advance, helping them prepare for the future, and avoiding problems caused by lack of communication or knowledge. Proactive actions intervene problems promptly and consider in advance how to prevent possible conflicts and what to do if conflicts arise.
Another cornerstone of positive pedagogy is empathetic leadership and positive boundaries. Children’s needs and wishes are important, and children have the right to express their opinions, feelings, and be heard. However, ultimately, adults make decisions and are responsible for the situation. Unlimited choices, boundlessness, and excessive negotiation might stress a child and cause insecurity. An educator have to approach children responsibly and with empathetic leadership.
Next, let´s find out some positive pedagogy principles in teaching.
Empathy and encouragement
Learning can be challenging, and students face various difficulties in their educational journey. It’s essential for teachers to show empathy and understanding towards students’ needs. When teachers encourage students to do their best and acknowledge their achievements, it creates a positive and motivating atmosphere for learning.
Positive reinforcement
Another essential part of positive pedagogy is promoting student´s participation. Students actively participate in setting and monitoring their own learning goals. Teachers can employ positive reinforcement to encourage desirable behavior in the classroom. Praising, encouraging, and rewarding good work are effective ways to motivate students. This motivates students to learn and helps them achieve their goals.
Solution-oriented approach
Positive education emphasizes a solution-oriented approach. Instead of getting stuck on mistakes, teachers should guide students towards their goals. Students aren’t punished for errors; instead, teachers can help them identify the roots of problems and find constructive solutions.
Building self-esteem
Teachers have the opportunity to significantly influence students’ self-esteem. By encouraging students to try new things, offering support, and recognizing their strengths, teachers can help students build a positive self-image and self-confidence.
Promoting open communication
Open communication in the classroom enhances student learning and well-being. Teachers should encourage students to express their opinions and ask questions. At the same time, teachers can set an example of respectful dialogue.
Setting boundaries skillfully
Teachers are responsible for classroom order and the safety of the learning environment. This requires setting clear rules and boundaries. However, these boundaries should be reasonable and explained to students so that they understand their significance.
Finally, positive pedagogy can improve students’ motivation to learn, academic success, and well-being. It helps students develop self-confidence, problem-solving skills, and social skills necessary for successful lives. Positive pedagogy guides education towards emphasizing resources, collaboration, and a supportive atmosphere, making it easier for students to achieve their goals and enjoy learning. Overall, consciously using positive pedagogy in teaching fosters a positive attitude towards learning and life in general.
References
Avola, P. and Pentikäinen, V. (2022). Kukoistava kasvatus: positiivisen pedagogiikan ja laaja-alaisen hyvinvointiopetuksen käsikirja, BEEhappy Publishing
Mäkinen, K. (2021, August 26). Positive pedagogy enhances wellbeing in general upper secondary schools. Retrieved August 28, 2023 from Positive pedagogy enhances wellbeing in general upper secondary schools | University of Helsinki, University of Helsinki
Peterson, C., Park, N., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2006). Greater strengths of character and recovery from illness. The Journal of Positive Psychology
Seligman, M.E.P. (2004). Authentic Happiness: Using the new positive psychology to realize Your potential for lasting fulfillment. University of Pennsylvania
Seligman, M.E.P. (2012). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. University of Pennsylvania
Trogen, T. (2020). Positiivinen kasvatus. PS-kustannus
Uusitalo, L. (2023). Positiivisen psykologian voima. PS-kustannus
Vuorinen, K. (2023) Positive pedagogy brings out the potential in all of us. Retreved August 28, 2023 from Positive pedagogy – kaisavuorinen.com