“Why Positive Education Matters and How to Apply It Daily”

All parents want the best for their children. Deep down, what we truly want isn’t just straight A’s or prestigious degrees. We want our children to be happy, confident, resilient, and capable of living meaningful lives. But here’s the challenge: traditional education systems often prioritize grades over growth and results over relationships. That’s where positive education steps in like a breath of fresh air.

Positive education blends academic learning with wellbeing science. Instead of asking, “How smart is this child?” it also asks, “How well is this child thriving?” Let’s explore what positive education really is and how it’s transforming schools—and lives—around the world.

Why Parents and Educators Are Rethinking Education

The Changing Needs of Children in the Modern World

Children today are growing up in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Social media, academic competition, and constant comparison can take a toll on mental health. Anxiety and depression among young people are rising, even as educational standards become more demanding.

Beyond Grades: The Need for Wellbeing

Grades alone don’t prepare children for life. Emotional intelligence, resilience, empathy, and purpose matter just as much. Education systems that ignore wellbeing risk producing students who succeed on paper but struggle internally.

Understanding the Concept of Positive Education

Definition of Positive Education

Positive education is the integration of traditional academic education with the science of wellbeing and happiness. It aims to help students flourish—not just academically, but emotionally, socially, and psychologically.

Origins in Positive Psychology

The concept stems from positive psychology, a field pioneered by Martin Seligman. Instead of focusing only on fixing problems, positive psychology studies what makes life worth living—and brings those insights into classrooms.

The Core Goal of Positive Education

Flourishing as the Ultimate Objective

The central aim of positive education is flourishing—a state where individuals feel good and function well.

Mental Health Within the School Community

Positive education doesn’t just benefit students. Teachers, staff, and the wider school community also experience improved wellbeing, relationships, and motivation.

Martin Seligman and the PERMA Model

Introduction to PERMA

Seligman introduced the PERMA model, a framework outlining five essential elements of wellbeing.

Why PERMA Matters in Education

When schools intentionally nurture these elements, students are more engaged, happier, and better equipped for life beyond the classroom.

Breaking Down the PERMA Framework

Positive Emotions

Joy, gratitude, hope, and curiosity help students build emotional resilience and broaden their thinking.

Engagement

Think of engagement as being “in the zone.” When students are deeply involved in meaningful challenges, learning sticks.

Positive Relationships

Strong, supportive relationships are the backbone of wellbeing and academic success.

Meaning

Students thrive when they feel connected to something bigger than themselves—whether it’s community, values, or purpose.

Accomplishment

Achievement matters. Setting goals and experiencing mastery builds confidence and motivation.

The PERMAH Extension

Adding Health to Wellbeing

PERMAH adds Health to the model, recognizing the role of sleep, nutrition, and physical activity.

Sleep, Exercise, and Nutrition in Schools

Healthy bodies support healthy minds. Schools adopting PERMAH actively promote balanced lifestyles.

PERMAH in Practice

School-Based Applications

Schools use PERMAH to shape policies, teaching strategies, and student support systems.

Real-World Examples from Schools

Institutions like Geelong Grammar School and Winmalee High School have embedded PERMAH into daily school life with impressive results.

VIA Character Strengths Explained

What Are Character Strengths?

Character strengths are positive traits reflected in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

The Six Core Virtues

The VIA framework highlights six virtues: wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence.

Applying VIA Strengths in Education

Identifying Student Strengths

Students can assess their strengths through surveys and reflective activities.

Strengths-Based Feedback

Instead of saying “Good job,” teachers highlight specific strengths like creativity, perseverance, or kindness.

How to Apply Positive Education in Schools

Strengths-Based Interventions

Simple changes—like gratitude exercises or goal-setting—can have powerful effects.

Teacher Training and Culture

Teachers trained in positive education model wellbeing in their own lives, creating a ripple effect.

Positive Education in Daily Classroom Practice

The Jigsaw Classroom

This collaborative method allows students to contribute based on their strengths, building confidence and teamwork.

Student Voice and Responsibility

Positive education empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey.

Character Growth and Resilience Programs

The Character Growth Card

Used in schools like KIPP, this tool assesses character traits alongside academics.

Building Grit and Perseverance

Traits like resilience and self-control are nurtured through everyday interactions—not lectures.

The Bounce Back Program

Teaching Resilience Early

Bounce Back focuses on helping students handle stress and setbacks constructively.

Coping Skills and Optimism

Tools like the responsibility pie chart teach children what they can control—and what they can let go.

Restorative Practices in Positive Education

Moving Beyond Punishment

Traditional punishments often fail to teach accountability or empathy.

Restorative Conversations

Restorative practices encourage reflection, responsibility, and repair—strengthening school communities.

Research Supporting Positive Education

Academic Performance

Studies show a strong link between wellbeing and improved academic outcomes.

Mental Health and Motivation

Positive education reduces depression and increases optimism, engagement, and motivation.

Where Positive Education Is Headed

Global Adoption and Innovation

From Australia to Israel to Mexico, positive education is gaining momentum worldwide.

Resources for Parents and Educators

Organizations and Tools

Institutions like IPEN, PESA, and the Positive Schools Initiative provide valuable resources and training.

FAQs

• 1. Is positive education suitable for all age groups?
  Yes, it can be adapted from preschool to high school and beyond.
  
• 2. Does positive education replace traditional academics?
  No, it complements academics by enhancing wellbeing and engagement.
  
• 3. Can parents apply positive education at home?
  Absolutely. Practices like gratitude, strengths recognition, and resilience-building work at home too.
  
• 4. Is there scientific evidence supporting positive education?
  Yes, multiple studies show improvements in wellbeing, motivation, and academic performance.
  
• 5. How long does it take to see results?
  Some benefits appear quickly, while others develop gradually over time.