Strengths-based approaches in the classroom and staffroom

Abstract

How can school leaders build 'good school' cultures that foster well-being in both the classroom and the staffroom? How can schools enable an environment that has virtues embodied both at the institutional level and which foster virtues in students and staff? This chapter reports on the impact of Christopher Peterson's research in the field of positive psychology at an Australian school. It centres on two aspects of Peterson's research: creating enabling institutions and applications of strengths in education. This chapter provides a summary of these two theories and the character strengths profile and its implications for policy makers, school leaders, and educators. It then reports on the application and impact of using the character strengths profile in a school with students and staff. We hope that this chapter will act as a fitting tribute to the legacy of Christopher Peterson foundational role in the development positive psychology and positive education.