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
FAQs

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.

Who are the courses designed for?

Our courses are designed for educators, special needs professionals, parents and anyone with an interest in special needs education or positive psychology. Our courses are particularly suitable for those who require flexibility and freedom in accessing professional education and updating their skills.

How long are the courses?

Our courses are 20 hours long, fully online and can be completed entirely at your own pace over the term. It will be possible to download each module and print it off to study in your own time offline if you prefer.

How often do you run the professional development courses?

Our courses run four times a year, in Spring, May/June, Summer & Autumn.

How do I enrol?

You can enrol online here or by calling +35316510618. Due to the self paced, flexible nature of the course we accept enrolments right up to 1 week before each term ends.

Do I need a high level of computer skills to take a class?

No, the courses are very user friendly and the skills necessary are quite basic and easily learned. We will be available to provide any technical assistance you need during the course.

What are the technical requirements for online learning?

You will need a computer with e-mail and access to the internet. Everything else you need for the course is provided though our integrated learning management system – this is user-friendly and easy to navigate.

Who is suited to online learning?

These courses are suitable for people who have busy schedules but still want the opportunity to receive high quality professional development at a time that suits them.

What kind of support is provided?

We provide all the supports necessary to make this online learning experience a success for you. You will have access to our expert tutors who are available via email throughout the duration of your course during working hours from Monday to Friday. Technical support is also available through email and we can also be contacted by telephone at +35316510618.

How am I assessed?

Our learning management system logs all student activity online. This tells us if a student has accessed all the course material.

At the end of each module we ask students to contribute to an online forum for that module.

At the end of the entire course students are required to write a reflective assignment on the learning they gained from the course.

These activities are included in your 20 hours of study time.

Do I get a certificate on completion?

Following successful completion of your course you will receive a Certificate of Continuing Professional Development which you can include on your CV.

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