Positive education, as a method for the positive development of students' personality, embodies the 24 character strengths that Peterson and Seligman developed in their studies and that are necessary for new professional profiles. This new social and work landscape inspired supranational institutions, such as the European Union, to develop…

Prior literature on the use of character strengths suggests that both deficiencies and excesses in the use of strengths can be problematic. While most school-based training in character strengths tends to focus on the former issue, an example is provided of a school-based program offered by the Mayerson Academy in partnership with the VIA…

During the second half of the 20th century, a new pedagogical movement emerged, which centered around the concept of "critical thinking." While the movement soon became a significant player in the pedagogical field, its proponents continued to develop the theoretical and practical aspects of critical thinking, aiming to transform it into…

School principals' interpretation of the context for their work has significant implications for their practice and for organisational theory educational settings. Principals' sense-making capability can change over time, as in all adults. Sense-making capability is grounded in adult ego development (AED) theory which describes eight distinct…

This paper employed a psychological-historical framework for an analytical examination of the Russian identity during the Soviet period through the fall of the Soviet Union and the transitional period that led to an establishment of the Russian Federation. A theoretical model is provided for the analysis of Russian identity that can be generalized…

Describes the characteristics of resilience and discusses flow theory. Defines the overriding goal of counseling from a flow theory perspective as assisting students to order their consciousness so the self can develop ever-increasing levels of complexity. Lists and defines five conditions that advance the likelihood of an individual's optimal…

The relationship between psychological development and learning disabilities was examined with 10 learning-disabled male children and 15 adolescents (12 males and 3 females). Common characteristics included problems in work and learning; chronic, low-level depression and anxiety; unconscious concerns about self and others; and character rigidity.…

Books can help children develop a positive self-image and feelings of self-confidence. To aid in the development of a child's shades of self (personal, social, and ideal), a list of books is offered. (DF)

Humor can be incorporated advantageously in personality guidance within the group and individual context. The guidance teacher must, in the first instance know when humor should be applied within the group context; secondly, the teacher is responsible for ensuring that humor is not abused, either by the group or himself. Should these conditions be…

"Positive Action," a K-12 program, aims to promote character development, academic achievement, and social-emotional skills and to reduce disruptive and problem behavior. The program is based on the philosophy that you feel good about yourself when you think and do positive actions, and there is always a positive way to do everything.…

This reprinted 1985 article with a 1988 update discusses the identification of underachievement, especially in gifted children. It describes the Achievement Identification Measure, a parent report that measures certain underachievement characteristics including the ability to cope with competition, responsibility, self-control, positive…

Offers information from a study of anorexia nervosa patients, discussing the behaviors and attitudes that characterize this group. Considers related social, cultural, and environmental factors. Suggests that educators voice concerns to the disturbed student and his/her parents in a simple and frank manner and encourage seeking professional medical…

Outlines the program of Bethany Baptist Academy, a fundamentalist religious K-12 school in the Midwest. The school socializes the students to think and behave according to the dictates of its religious doctrine. (MD)

Presents data from a survey of the effectiveness of middle school programs in 34 states. The data show that changing to middle school organization results in student achievement gains, decreased discipline problems, enhanced personal development among students, and other positive effects. (MD)

Argues that the middle school years are the most critical period for the individual to synthesize a rational, positive, personal value system and offers psychological insights that have implications for school organization, curriculum design, and staff preparation. (Author/JG)