Geelong Grammar School's Positive Education Class
Australia Applies Positive Psychology Studies to Student Education
Apr 14, 2009
Positive psychology, the study of human well-being, may soon find its way into student education programs around the world. In a bold move in Australian student education the Geelong Grammar School, in conjunction with prominent positive psychology founder Dr. Martin Seligman, is incorporating recent psychology study results in positive education programs from kindergarten through senior levels.
The March, 2009 International Positive Psychology Association Newsletter describes Geelong's bold venture with the establishment of the Handbury Centre for Wellbeing. Australian education has a history of innovation in student education, beginning fifty years ago with its Timbertop campus.
Geelong Grammar Innovation
The educational principles of Timbertop were based on the work of Kurt Hahn, a German educator who believed that "there is more in you than you think." He believed that if young people were given challenges in their lives and were of service to others, they would themselves be happy.
Dr. Martin Seligman
Dr. Martin Seligman, founder of the field of positive psychology, established Geelong's positive education program while residing in Australia in 2008. Joining Dr. Seligman in this educational venture were several prominent positive psychology researchers including Dr. Chris Peterson, Dr. Stephen Post, and Dr. George Vaillant.
What is Positive Psychology?
For most of its history, psychology has focused on identifying and treating mental illnesses such as depression. Under Dr. Seligman's leadership, fundamental research studies focused on well-being, identifying strategies contributing to human happiness. Results have been dramatic.
Positive Psychology Strategies
In just a few short years, psychologists have identified strategies people can utilize – without professional help -– to cultivate positive emotion and positive character traits. Research by Dr. Seligman and others has demonstrated that it is possible to be happier and more positive regardless of one’s circumstances. Simple, easy-to-apply interventions allow people to experience more satisfying, fulfilling lives.
The Positive Education Program
Seligman and others trained over one hundred sixty Geelong faculty and administrative staff in the concepts of positive psychology, such as identifying and utilizing personal strengths rather than the traditional focus on student weaknesses. Other concepts such as end-of-day gratitude reflections help students achieve a more positive attitude and develop resilience.
Today's young people deal with many issues and peer pressures which subject them to drugs, depression, obesity, alcohol, eating disorders, suicide, bullying and peer group pressure. The positive education program at Geelong will provide strategies to help them deal with these concerns during adolescence and throughout their lives.
The Potential of Positive Education
Preventing mental illnesses through positive, proactive approaches to mental health in young people has the potential to help future generations lead happier, better adjusted, and more fulfilling lives. Positive psychology studies provide strategies and interventions that help people of all ages take an active, preventative role in mental health.
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Positive Psychology and Happiness, Positive Attitude and Affirmations
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