Approaches to positive education

Abstract

With the ongoing growth and development of positive education globally, there is increased interest and uptake in schools. Yet while there is considerable activity, there is little strategic orientation, with schools utilising a multitude of approaches, often with no overarching framework. There has also been a lack of guidance and implementation recommendations by key bodies, and a dearth of literature identifying and reviewing common approaches to the implementation of positive education, resulting in information overload and lack of clarity that may undermine the application and practice of positive education. This chapter first argues for the strategic integration of approaches and the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration. Second, we overview some of the current approaches to positive education, with a particular focus on social and emotional learning, character education, growth mindset, resilience and mental toughness, and coaching. Third, we provide a case study to highlight how the successful integration of these approaches can be implemented. Finally, practical recommendations are provided to inform the strategic implementation of positive education.