Combining positivity and education

Positivity is vital for mental wellbeing. It can influence the way you view things and change your perception on life.

But why is Combining positivity and education effective?

Positive education focuses on incorporating happiness and wellbeing and applying these to learning.

It uses Martin Seligman’s PERMA model:

• Positive Emotions

These include joy, satisfaction, happiness and optimism.

• Engagement

Fully investing yourself into everything you do and being in the present.

• Relationships

Having positive relationships with those around you, especially in a learning environment.

• Meaning

Establishing a sense of community with learning and understanding that it is part of something larger.

• Accomplishments

Being proud of what you have achieved and striving towards your own success.

When teaching, it is useful to keep the PERMA model theory in mind. It encourages a positive approach with learning by focusing on individual factors which compliment the learning process.

Positive reinforcement is also a beneficial technique when teaching. It implements good habits and helps turn the negatives into things that can be improved.

Decision making is a factor with positive education, where children should think logistically about outcomes from a scenario. This will provide them with a valuable lifeskill in critical thinking.

Thinking about what is being taught will help children to get a better understanding and be in the present with learning. This is why reflecting upon learning is useful. Children are aware of what is being taught and absorbing the material.