Building Strengths and Creativity

Positive psychology for learning and living

Introduction

This course draws from a wealth of psychological research and breakthroughs in neuroscience to arm you with a set of practical tools and evidence-based strategies for building strengths and creativity and unlocking human potential. A strengths-based approach focuses on facilitating the conditions that foster engagement, passion, ’flow‘ and creativity and promote flourishing and accomplishment in all our lives.

Course Overview
Course Content
Assessment & Award
Tutors and Support

About the course

Contrary to popular belief, creativity is not just inherited disposition or a gift possessed by the lucky few. It is an essential form of human expression and research has shown that it is possible to prime the mind so that less obvious ideas and innovative solutions can emerge effortlessly. This course explores the science of human strengths and the psychology of creativity, providing you with the opportunity to discover fascinating routes to liberating potential and boosting learning and wellbeing, providing reliable evidence based foundations for developing a wellbeing curriculum in line with best practice and NCCA guidelines.

Many believe that the way to improve is to concentrate on fixing weaknesses but, in reality, it is our strengths that make us successful and not the absence of flaws. The better we understand our strengths and nurture our creative talents, the more likely we are to cope with challenges, show perseverance and produce valuable results. Discover how to identify and cultivate signature strengths, explore the psychology of imagination and creativity and learn how to increase motivation and develop emotional intelligence, persistence and grit in your students and others.

Who is this course aimed at?

This course is designed for teachers, SNAs, youth workers and those working with learners in many different contexts. It may also be of interest to social care workers, psychologists and other therapeutic or educational practitioners who want to learn more about the application of positive psychology to enhancing wellbeing and flourishing.

Approved by the Department of Education

This course is approved by the Department of Education.

Three EPV days are allowed for primary school teachers who take the course during the summer term. Please note this provision applies only to the summer term as per Department guidelines.

This course has four terms each year, Spring, May/June, Summer & Autumn.

This fascinating course explores the importance of building and promoting strengths and creativity to underpin and encourage positive behaviour, emotional wellbeing, motivation and engagement in learning and life. Grounded in the science of positive psychology, and drawing on research on fulfilled individuals and thriving communities, it examines the nature and development of human strengths and provides you with the opportunity to learn how to build and enhance strengths and talents and promote psychological wellbeing. Applying positive psychology principles and lessons from empirical research, the course also explores ways to harness and increase creativity, engagement and motivation in yourself and others.

Throughout this course there is an emphasis on the importance of emotional intelligence and a growth mindset and their impact on learning, wellbeing and creativity. Topics such as flow, grit and the role of active learning, positive emotion, enjoyment and level of interest in increasing and sustaining motivation and achievement are addressed in depth. This course draws on a wealth of psychological research and powerful new discoveries from neuroscience to provide you with a set of practical tools and evidence-based strategies for building student’s strengths and creativity, boosting emotional literacy and the ability to cope with everyday challenges.

Highlights

Develop a strengths-based approach that unlocks potential and enhances self-efficacy.
Create the ideal environment and conditions to facilitate engaged learning, passion and creativity, a core principle of education as outlined in the NCCA wellbeing guidelines.
Learn about ‘flow’, grit and the role of active learning in sustaining motivation and increasing achievement.
Boost emotional literacy and the ability to cope with everyday challenges.
Delve into research on fulfilled individuals and thriving communities to better understand the role of emotional intelligence, metacognition and a ‘growth’ mindset in learning.
Enjoy rich opportunities for collaboration with our online network of learners and tutors.
Save printable course materials and resources for future reference.

Interactive Learning Assignments accompany each module. Each student is also required to complete a Reflective Assignment as well as a CPD record.

On completion, you will receive a Certificate of Continuing Professional Development and a Learning Log of your work, which can be included in your CPD portfolio.

All of our tutors are experts in the area of positive psychology and wellbeing and will provide you with one-to-one guidance as you complete your studies online.

Technical support is provided by our dedicated team of qualified learning technologists, who are available to assist you by telephone or email.

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY:

“I have found this a very positive course. It has benefitted me across all areas of my private and professional life. Being reminded of the necessary skills to reflect and make change has had a positive impact on me and I hope those around me.”

Sarah Black

Course is currently not running

UPCOMING TERMS

AUTUMN TERM

14^th October – 8^th December 2024