Positive Psychology has three central concerns: positive emotions, positive individual traits, and positive institutions. Understanding positive emotions entails the study of contentment with the past, happiness in the present, and hope for the future. Understanding positive individual traits consists of the study of the strengths and virtues, such as the capacity for love and work, courage, compassion, resilience, creativity, curiosity, integrity, self-knowledge, moderation, self-control, and wisdom. Understanding positive institutions entails the study of the strengths that foster better communities, such as justice, responsibility, civility, parenting, nurturance, work ethic, leadership, teamwork, purpose, and tolerance.
AFTER COMPLETING ALL OF THE ASSIGNMENTS, PLEASE COMMENT AND SHARE YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON THE STATEMENT, "Positive psychology holds great potential for creating environments where children learn, employees thrive, and communities flourish." Please be clear, well organized and BRIEF in your comments (maximum of 300 words). PUT YOUR NAME IN ALL CAPS AT THE TOP OF YOUR COMMENT BEFORE POSTING- If you'd like to use an alias, that's fine, just let me know. [below the comment box, you’ll be asked to ‘Comment as’- just select ‘anonymous’. As you name is in ALL CAPS at the top of your comment, right?]
PAUL RENAKER
ReplyDeleteAs the articles and video clips indicated, or inferred, there is no way to make someone happier, but there are aspects of life which can have a positive effect on individual happiness. These aspects can be included in school and classroom management plans to maximize the potential for a positive work environment. The component which has a direct relationship with schools and administrative policies is positive human relationships.
Over the course of my career I have been fortunate to have participated in the Tribes program, three different Project Adventure programs, and I have become an adherent to the FISH! philosophy of businesses and human relations. The basic premise of the programs is the core foundation of any successful endeavor is positive human relationships, one of the leading components of happiness for most people. I was the unofficial spirit and inspiration coordinator at my previous school. I provided notes of inspiration every week, planned activities during the year, and organized games for the staff and students. Each little thing I did was followed by equal efforts from others on the staff. The school became known as a very special place to work.
An administrator who believes in positive psychology will find ways to encourage interaction and connectedness among the teaching staff, support staff, students, parents and community. The more the stake holders involved feel connected to the school, and each other, the higher the probability they will be happier with their job, and ultimately, more successful, too. The book When Helping Hurts argues programs for the poor concentrate on products and projects rather than process and people. This is often the problem in education today. As Kozol pointed out, with the emphasis on accountability and high stakes testing, schools are missing out on one of the most important pieces, human relationships.
GREG LOVE
ReplyDeleteThe concept of happiness is very elusive, but critical in establishing a positive work environment. Many people believe material possessions will make them happy, but clearly as teachers we have a different definition. It appears from the videos assigned for this week happiness is derived from a combination of things.
Included in this combination is accepting things as they are, as opposed to having such high expectations as to necessarily be disappointed. As educators, we have high expectations for ourselves, but excessive expectations can lead to disappointment and feelings of underachieving. Dan Gilbert discusses the difference between “natural happiness” and “synthetic happiness.” Natural happiness is derived from such things as freedom of choice, but synthetic happiness (which tends to have a longer-lasting impact) is something that is created. In short, people are happy or not based on their ability to “synthesize” happiness from their current situation. This may seem cynical and counterintuitive, but teaching at a school with low-performing, low socio-economic students allows me the opportunity to set a different set of goals for myself and my students than I would be able to at other schools. Accomplishing these goals allows me the opportunity to “synthesize” happiness while onlookers from the outside may not feel it is justified.
Another element is maintaining a balance between one’s personal and professional life. The Danish, recognized as being the happiest people on Earth, maintain this balance by not putting such emphasis on material items. They work less hours per week, have more vacation, and are taxed far more heavily than Americans. They have discovered that close personal relationships are great indicators of overall wellness, and they prioritize them over such things as having more “stuff.” Clearly, if we are going to have a school full of “happy” teachers and staff, we are going to need to create an environment where there is a high value put on creating and maintaining these relationships for everyone.
DANIELLE VALENCIA
ReplyDeleteThe reading and videos for this week discussed the existence of happiness has a positive correlation with the existence of social relationships in the forms of friendship and family. Once basic monetary needs are met, the increase in financial prosperity has no bearing on happiness. Applying this and other theories of Positive Psychology to education would increase positive outcomes. The school I work in is an upper middle class school. We have decent test scores and manage to make-up for our funding shortfalls through fundraising. We meet the basic financial and API needs of a school and yet, the overall impression on campus is never one of satisfaction or joy.
School cultures created around the need to be successful and on continuous improvement may not necessarily be as effective as schools focused on Positive Psychology. If we were able to focus on creating a positive learning environment and building positive relationships among staff, students, and parents, perhaps we would be more productive. Also, teaching students to be satisfied and value relationships over material goods, will help them to be happier and more productive, which may increase their learning and future success. It is possible this conjecture is reaching just a little, but I know I would prefer my students go out and have a happy life and risk not raising the schools API.
MOLLY FULTS
ReplyDeletePositive Psychology holds great potential in the education world. Physical health is related to higher levels of happiness. Students and teachers alike can be physically healthier my engaging in practices that promote happiness. The video "The Recipe for Happiness" is extremely applicable to schools. Three ingredients for happiness are social relationships, meaning (religion, philosophy), and having goals. Both teachers and students engage in relationships on a daily basis. Teachers have a common meaning or philosophy-doing what is best for students-that drive them. Teachers and students have goals, which gives them something in common to work toward. As an administrator, it would be important to address each of these ingredients to build, foster, and nourish happiness in the workplace--school. Dan Gilbert referred to a psychological immune system and how it works best when one is stuck-totally trapped. As an aspiring administrator, I am intrigued by this. I wonder how I could use this in working with teachers. If a teacher felt totally stuck, stuck by the economy, stuck by district mandates, stuck by any number of things...how could I use this knowledge to help teachers' psychological immune systems work optimally? Dan Gilbert also spoke about natural vs. synthetic happiness, and that synthetic happiness is every bit as real as natural happiness, and that we can manufacture our own happiness. This has huge implications for administrators. I can only imagine the benefits teachers and students would receive if an administrator, as part of their leadership, could tap into others' abilities to manufacture their own happiness. The result would be happier teachers and happier students, which could very possibly improve performance of all stakeholders involved.
CARA CUTRUZZULA
ReplyDeleteFrom the readings and video viewings there are many outside and personal factors that contribute to the ability of one to see their life in a positive light. For example, in the 60 minutes video clip, the people of Denmark are suggested to be “happier” because there is a lack of expectation in their culture. Rather they call themselves, “content”. In this specific case, “happiness” was based off of a cultural expectation or lack there of. Therefore, it seems difficult to create an environment of this when the culture outside of the given environment affects the people within that given environment.
Also, Dan Gilbert discusses the concept of natural happiness versus synthetic happiness. His discussion states that synthetic happiness is every bit as real but it comes from the choice of the individual to see the given situation in this light. This leads to the task of affecting the personal perspectives of the people in this environment. Therefore, the leader of this given environment would have to create a culture of people that make the choice to turn losses of natural happiness to synthetic happiness. If all people in this group were able to achieve this perspective than the ability to have this thriving community could exist but with individuals there are many variables effecting success.
Claudia Wallis’ article reveals the disparities in the judgment of happiness. For example, some researchers find the root of happiness should be from a person’s individual perspective of their daily happenings; whereas, another researcher focuses on the person’s overall understanding and contentment about their life. Therefore, how to create this thriving environment is in question because the psychologists behind the issue do not know which form of “happiness” is more authentic and/or have the ability to be judged.
ERIKA RANES
ReplyDeletePositive psychology can have a great affect on the educational environment. The reading and videos each contribute perspectives on how happiness influences the behavior of others. If everyone has an open mind and enjoys what they do then it seems the community would flourish. In the 60 Minutes video, the Danish were listed as the happiest people. One college student said that even though they make less annual income, they love their job. They work on average 37 hours per week and receive six weeks of vacation time. If we all worked jobs that we enjoyed with this many benefits, how would the working environment be perceived? When watching films or television shows, the typical reaction of someone going to work is usual negative. I think society would operate much differently if social media took a positive outlook to going to work. I do think that having a positive outlook allows employees to work together and become more creative and open to learning. Employees would benefit from sharing ideas which in education, would lead to a better learning environment for children.
As much as I would love for everyone to enjoy their job, I do not see that change coming any time soon. However, when someone is having a bad day, they still have the opportunity to try and see the glass as half full. Dan Gilbert explained this concept in his video as synthetic happiness. He discussed the differences between natural happiness versus synthetic happiness. Synthetic happiness is what people create when they do not have the freedom to make a choice. They make the best of their situation and they deal with it in a positive way. I think we as a society do this all the time. When a friend does not get what they want people typically try to make them feel better by being satisfied with what they received. Building up a friend’s psyche or having our own positive outlook can have a major affect on our jobs and the people that surround us.
PEREZ
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this week about Positive Psychology, I believe that the quality of the work environment should be a consideration for educational leaders. As leaders and role models, principals are expected to lead the teachers, the staff, and the community. Considering this huge responsibility, it only makes sense that we educate ourselves in what makes people happy.
For example, research indicates, surprisingly, that once basic needs are met, money does not create happiness. On the other hand, Seligman and Diener agree that the highest levels of happiness result from spending time with friends and family. Thus, an educational leader would want to plan family and community functions to foster these social interactions. Whether it is the annual talent show, the fall carnival, or the science night, all of these events have the potential of creating and building social bonds which foster happiness. According to Kahneman, people tend to remember the emotional high points of events and social experiences. Thus, planning school functions may result in lasting positive memories for staff, students, and families. As educational leaders, it is important that we do not underestimate the value of these types of school functions.
Fostering an environment focused on positive, happy feelings may have far reaching affects throughout the school site. Creating a positive work environment may result in more efficient classroom instruction, more successful students, and more supportive parents. A happy school will be a more productive school. It is in everyone’s best interest to explore and implement the idea of creating a workplace that fosters feelings of happiness.
"Positive psychology holds great potential for creating environments where children learn, employees thrive, and communities flourish." For some reason this quote made me thinking of the saying, "can't we all just get along." I agree with the quote on positive psychology, but I can tell you the teachers at my school with the negative psychology. So then what makes them happy? I loved the Time magazine article on happiness. It truly tries to look at life and what makes happy people "flourish." It was amazing that it’s the people who find a happy median both in the personal, financial, and family that are the most happiest. They don’t have everything but they have want they want. It appears I need to find some religion, yet I think it’s more the friend aspect on religion and thoughts of afterlife life that keep spiritual people smiling. I remember hearing in my credential program about creating a “positive environments” for students. I definitely agree that places where students feel safe and accepted will generate learning. Also, work environments that are positive create better outcomes and growth as well.
ReplyDeleteSCOTT TURNER
ReplyDeleteThe readings and videos on happiness were very eye-opening. The Dan Gilbert video discussed the idea of "synthesizing happiness”. Everyone comes from different life situations and will face different challenges, but according to “synthetic happiness”, everyone has the ability to make the best of their situation. According to Gilbert, synthetic happiness is just as real as natural happiness. However, this ability to synthesize happiness is very difficult when you live in a society that depicts and defines happiness in such a different way. In the 60 Minutes clip, people in Denmark were able to find happiness due to the community’s definition of happiness. While it is difficult to change what others think regarding happiness, individuals can synthesize long-lasting happiness by being open-minded and content in their own life. This open-mindedness and contentment has allowed citizens in Denmark to be extremely happy. By putting aside expectations and being open-minded, educators can create positive environments for students and colleagues, where all individuals will collectively thrive.
MICHELLE DOAN
ReplyDeleteThis week's readings and videos on positive psychology give insight to leaders on what satisfies people. The results from studies done are quite surprising. I was most intrigued by the Denmark video and hearing some of the young peoples' idea of what they are striving towards. There is an unspoken idea that we all are striving for the American dream and yet many of us are left dissatisfied and discontent. Wallis' article on happiness shed more insight on the importance of slowing down. Creating balance and taking time to reflect and connect deeply with others. A concern of mine about the way culture is heading falls on the fact that our lives are getting busier and our connections are getting shallower. I am concerned for myself and the world that we are running around so fast that we are not slowing down and we therefore don't even know how to connect deeply with others. Our connections with others is one that results in a satisfied and happy life.
As a school leader knowing tendencies about humans and what creates happiness can give wisdom on how to set up a successful school climate. We need leaders to see this need and to create ways and foster environments for our staffs and students to be known and to connect with others. This is yet another aspect we are leaders need to focus on to set our students and staff up for success. It must start with us as leaders. We need to have boundaries and proper life balances to model and lead our power of influences towards happy, healthy lives. As the BBC happiness videos show that this will create people who work harder and are more dedicated to achieving.
MATTHEW FOX
ReplyDeleteI was intrigued when I heard that there was such a thing as Dan Gilbert’s “synthetic happiness” and “natural happiness.” I only thought there was happiness, indifference, and unhappiness in terms of a scale of personal satisfaction based on events that happened and choices made. The more I learned about the two types of happiness, the more I realized that there are clear distinctions in our lives. A website, sourcesofinsight.com has a great comparison of the two. It states, “This (synthetic vs. natural happiness) is the difference between dating and marriage. In dating, you look to get what you want. In marriage, you find a way to like what you’ve got.”
This concept of synthetic and natural happiness is especially important in the current climate that administrators live in. Many times, high test scores and meeting the AYP are the keys to attaining natural happiness. In certain ways, that is a necessary goal, because a high achieving school is a school that is mostly left to their own devices. Having said that, many times the providers of the longer lasting synthetic happiness are pushed to the sidelines in search of that natural happiness. Often neglected is the importance of school morale and building of teamwork within the staff. Not being able to see the light in the inevitable bouts of darkness is a recipe for unhappiness. I believe that having realistic expectations is paramount for administrators, since they will be able to enjoy the satisfaction of their successes as well as being able to cope and plan for improvement when the occasional failure occurs. This ability to deal with reality on a positive level rather than only relying on the endless pursuit of pure natural happiness will provide an administrator with a much more resilient and successful leadership style.
CECIL MALACARNE
ReplyDeleteThe subject of happiness and positive psychology are very interesting. Once a certain level of income was attained to meet basic needs then more income did not equate with more happiness. Driving a Ferrari for the first time was exciting but less so the tenth or hundredth time. Maybe a Lear Jet would be better than the Ferrari (and make the owner happier). The people of Denmark are labeled as the world’s happiest people but some observed many people still complain frequently and have lower expectations. However, many of the college students expressed satisfaction with their lives.
As teachers we have seen what creating a positive atmosphere for learning can do for our students. Small successes can lead up to greater success. Kids who believe they can do something will usually attain greater success than children who don’t believe they can reach a certain goal.
Adults do not want to work in an environment filled with negativity, whether it would be a store, office or a school. A positive work area filled with optimistic people is a much more desirable place to be. Children of course react the same way.
I was asked by my principal to sit in on an informal interview panel this week. The purpose was to interview several candidates for a primary teaching position. Two people were interviewed for the opening. Both were very competent and had good answers. However, one teacher stood out by demonstrating a more positive attitude than the other candidate. The job offer will be going to the individual with the brighter outlook. We want to make sure our staff will build a positive environment for the children and be the same type of person with our parents and staff as well.
ARLEEN BATES
ReplyDeletePositive Psychology and hapiness have always been intriguing to me. I come from a long line of "optimists" and have always been proud of that fact. I believe hapiness also equates in my attitude in all I do. It was interesting on the 60 Minutes video how the Danes are content with their lives. The expectations placed on them from birth allow them to always have a sense of contentment, and have realistic expectations. Also, the results of my authentic happiness survey supported my optimism in life. In the end, after doing all the assigments and viewing the videos I came to a conclussion, I may know and understand the various ways and types of hapiness, whether it is synthetic or natural , but it is my faith that carries me through every single day, I know in my heart anything I accomplish is because of what I believe in and my confidence and trust in people.
NICOLE WALLEVAND
ReplyDelete"Positive psychology holds great potential for creating environments where children learn, employees thrive, and communities flourish." In response to this statement, Happiness is internal, and it produces outward signs of smiles, laughter, and glee. For people to be happy they must be satified with the life they have created for themselves. Others can provide a finite experience which produces a happy feeling, but true happiness comes from within. Contentment is a form of happiness because it is the satisfaction we have created for ourselves. As leaders, we can give respect, show gratitude, encourage goal development but we cannot make people happy. We can create situations which encourage collaboration where people with like beliefs and value strive for on a common goal. This will help build relationships which is important for everyones internal happiness. I aggree with the BBC video, we as humans are social in nature, and those relationships contribute to our overall happiness.
NADIA FOX
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, happiness is a fleeting emotion, but contentment is more of a long-term psychological state. The concept of genes playing a large role in guiding people toward espousing and expressing positive individual traits is fascinating to me, and the LA Times article mentioned that these traits can play a big role in some people's ability to handle stressful life situations and disappointment better than others .While I have a cynical side, I support the late comedian, George Carlin's idea that a cynic is merely a disappointed optimist. Often, cynical people have high expectations and start off overly hopeful, and as disappointment sets in, cynicism is their way of protecting themselves from situations in which they believe they understand the risks or negative behaviors involved a little too well. I believe people generally have an innate desire to want to feel loved and connect to other people, but through negative experiences, fear sets in and disappointment begins to build which in turn makes us question our faith in others and their motivations. As a result, people often become self-absorbed with their own discomforts and less likely to focus much of their attention toward any positive aspects of their lives, especially if they perceive others around them to have unfair advantages.
However, it is fascinating that certain strategies can enable people from all walks of life to recommit to contentment and positive thinking on a long-term basis. These strategies allow us to manufacture synthetic happiness, according to David Gilbert. He points out several experiments in which people learn to enjoy or cherish their experiences or belongings when they are given choice in how to pursue them but not allowed to change their minds. I think that the initial freedom of choice with the understanding that this choice is permanent allows people to ward off regret and to discover and try to reaffirm their interest or happiness that is derived from their current circumstances. It is important to model this behavior to staff members as a coping mechanism as natural happiness is never guaranteed.