What Is Positive Education?
Most education sectors focus more on the academic grades and achievements of students, and it can be said that this is the ultimate “meter of success”. However, mental health awareness over the years has reduced this mindset to some extent. There’s no denying that mental health influences students’ academic performance greatly. For instance, a mentally healthy student’s productivity will be higher than one struggling with mental health issues. They will also tend to enjoy and take a keen interest in academic tasks more, such as completing English worksheets or solving complex math problems. Nevertheless, many educational institutions have started incorporating “positive education” in their learning environment. Continue reading this article to learn about positive education!
Meaning of Positive Education
Integrating the psychology relating to positive mindset or positivity with the actual school programs is basically called “positive education”. It believes in doing good and feeling good.
Positive education takes a step ahead of simply relying on academic achievements as the ultimate definition of success. It believes in focusing on the physical and mental wellbeing of the students in a class, who help and support each other.
However, it is not only limited to the pupils in school. It goes beyond that and believes in spreading positivity among teachers and other school staff as well.
Positive Education Framework
American psychologist, Martin Seligman, put forward a theory named the “PERMAH Model” and considers six elements essential for the well-being of an individual in the long run.
P – Positive Emotions
The first element of the PERMAH model is “positive emotions”. In order to keep the students motivated in school, they need to have emotions that drive a sense of pleasure, such as joy, gratitude, interest, pride, hope, inspiration, etc.
Related School Activities – Creating and maintaining a positive school culture with a growth mindset can ensure positive emotions. Moreover, different fun activities can help with the attainment of this goal. Anti-bullying strategies should also be in place.
E – Engagement
When students are completely absorbed by an activity or task, and during the process, they feel energized, motivated and happy, this equates to the fulfillment of this element.
Related School Activities – Giving students different tasks that they truly enjoy, such as peer reading, project-based learning, and extracurricular activities, are some great ways. In addition to this, using technology to deliver lectures such as webinars or Google Classroom can also capture the attention of students in a good way.
R – Relationships
Relationships that are “positive” and are based on motivating and supporting each other in the classroom can encourage positive education as well. The way students communicate and respond to each other can also make a huge difference.
Related School Activities – Special events, camps, group activities, and trips can help in building positive relationships.
M – Meaning
It relates to doing something that you find value in, as it will directly lead to feelings of satisfaction and happiness.
Related School Activities – In order to help students find motivation and a purpose in whatever task they are indulged in at school, activities such as charity events, community events, skills-based learning, and project-based learning should be held.
A – Accomplishment
No matter what obstacles you face while working towards your SMART goals and finally achieving them leads towards motivation and feelings of joy. Individuals should also be able to acknowledge and appreciate their hard work and success.
Related School Activities – Feedbacks, outcome reporting, important school events, awards ceremonies, and extra-curricular performances all help in the achievement of this element.
H – Health
It’s essential to recognize the importance of health as it has a direct influence on the academic performance of an individual. Health shouldn’t be compromised whether it’s related to sleep, diet, or exercise.
Related School Activities – Swim schools, counselors, health care plans, sport, and safety rules should be implemented by institutions to ensure healthy individuals.
