Characteristics Of Positive Psychology

Positive Education Positive psychology is the study of the “good life” (Peterson, 2006). Peterson explained that living a good life is much deeper than just feeling artificially happy and smiling all of the time. Instead it may include such difficult actions as standing up for values and beliefs in the face of adversity, like taking a stand against slavery. Victor Frankl wrote about another important aspect of positive psychology in his book, Man’s Search for Meaning (2006). As a Holocaust survivor, he realized that meaning was critical for having a fulfilling life. The field of positive psychology also includes helping others, optimism, resiliency, wellness, strengths, and several other characteristics (Peterson, 2006).

When positive psychology research and techniques are applied to the field of education, it is called positive education. Compton and Hoffman described some ways positive psychology can be incorporated into education, like encouraging caring and cooperative relationships, fostering

Three important factors in positive education are relationships, optimism and resiliency. Compton and Hoffman described positive schools as being “caring communities that are built around cooperative relationships” (2013, p. 269). Research has shown that our brains are designed for social relationships (Wilson & Conyers, 2011a), and people learn language and thinking skills best in the context of a positive relationship (Willingham, 2009). In Thinking for Results, Wilson and Conyers stated that, “More than any other element of education, the teacher makes the largest difference in the amount of student learning” (2011b, p. 11). By encouraging positive relationships between teachers and students as well as students with other students, the classroom environment will not only be more enjoyable but will also help students to learn