Strength(s)-Based Approach
Welcome to the Strength(s)-Based Approach (SBA)
page on our Neurodiversity at UConn website. Here you
will find a presentation by Caressa Wakeman
introducing you to the Strengths-Based Approach,
key literature, and other materials
for you to learn more.
SBA Basics
The following presentation will give you a brief introduction to the SBA which includes information on Positive Psychology, a Growth Mindset, examples from literature, and our approach. SBA Presentation
Key Readings
Positive Psychology An Introduction by Martin E. P. Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Strengths-Based Educating: A Concrete Way to Bring Out the Best in Students—and Yourself: The Confessions of an Educator Who Got It Right—Finally! by Edward “Chip” Anderson
First, Discover Their Strengths by Thomas Armstrong
Learn More
Here are some additional resources you can look through if you would like to learn more about Positive Psychology or the SBA. Enjoy!
Videos
Everyone's In: An Educational Strengths-Based Approach
Leona Morrison, a Supervisor in the Inclusive Learning unit, talks about a new district document that spotlights the strengths-based approach -- a model of teaching and learning that helps students experience success by focusing on their strengths and what they can do, rather than on the limits of a diagnosed condition.
Want to Bring Out The Best in People? Start With Strengths | Chris Wejr | TEDxLangleyED
Too many students are in school learning the many things they cannot do while not being provided the opportunity to do the many things they can do. When students' character strengths and skills are embraced within the school, students are more confident, engaged and connected to the school. Not only does a strengths-based education help engage the disengaged, it helps more students to truly flourish. Chris shares personal stories of success and supports this with research from the fields of psychology and business. He challenges the audience to work to bring out the best in people... start with one, start with strengths, and start today.
Chris is a father of 5 year-old twin girls and a former high school teacher and coach. He currently works as a teacher/principal of James Hill Elementary in Langley. Previous to this, as a teacher/principal in the community of Agassiz, he worked with the staff to create positive changes in school climate as well as student motivation and engagement based on a strength-based school culture. He has also advised and worked on committees with the BC Ministry of Education, the Canadian Education Association and other agencies to help promote educational change in areas such as curriculum, professional learning, assessment, and technology. Chris learns from and shares with others through his learning network on Twitter at @chriswejr as well as on his blog at chriswejr.com. Chris is a strong believer using the power of social media to share stories that drive educational change and has presented online as well as in Western Canada and the United States.