Theory and Practice of Positive Education

This unit of study addresses issues of wellbeing in the context of educational settings. The focus of the unit is to investigate the factors that contribute to the ability of individuals, groups and organisations to flourish. The unit will draw on a range of research findings from the discipline of Positive Psychology and examine their applications in educational settings. The unit will offer participants the opportunity to explore a range of topics contributing to wellbeing including resilience, flow, positive emotions, happiness, self-esteem and self-efficacy, beliefs as self-fulfilling prophecies, the pitfalls of perfectionism, goal setting and the use of character strengths. Students will explore these themes in practical ways related to their own educational contexts.