Positive Learning for University Trixie James Lecturer and Unit Coordinator STEPS

1. Positive Learning for University Trixie James Lecturer and Unit Coordinator STEPS t.james@cqu.edu.au CQUniversity Australia

2. There are two facets to Positive Learning for UniversityPositive Psychology • Positive Psychology – This course introduces students to the theory of Positive Psychology through the CHOOSE Happiness Model (developed by Dr Timothy Sharp at The Happiness Institute in Australia). Clarity Health Optimism Others Strengths Enjoy

3. Module 1: Introduction to Positive Psychology • Martin Seligman “Learned Optimism” • Shawn Anchor “The happiness advantage: Linking positive brains to performance” • Sonia Lyubomirsky “The how of happiness” • Timothy Sharp “The Happiness Handbook” • Module 2: Positive Meaning • Past – Present – Future • Viktor Frankl “The search for Meaning” • Ben Shahar “Happier” Defining Life’s Purpose • Mindfulness • Values

4. Module 3: Positive Health • Nutrition • How food feeds the brain • Enhances or inhibits alertness • Exercise • Physical health links to brain health • Leaf claims exercise generates new brain cells • Sleep • Link to mental alertness • Improves brain’s ability to function and file knowledge • Module 4: Positive Emotions • Barbara Fredrickson “Broaden and Build Theory” • Matthew Lieberman - Emotional Vocabulary • Ice-berg Theory • Energy Zones

5. Module 5: Harnessing Positivity • Optimism • Learned Helplessness • Explanatory Style of Thinking-3Ps Permanent versus Temporary Pervasive (global) versus Specific Personal versus Impersonal • Module 6: Optimism • ANTS (Automatic Negative Thoughts) • POTS (Planting Optimistic Thoughts) • 4 C’s (Catastrophising, Commanding, Condemning and Can’t • Disputing negative thoughts

6. Module 7: Strengths • Seligman – “Authentic Happiness” • VIA Character Strengths • Six Virtues of Authentic Happiness • Wisdom & Knowledge • Courage • Humanity & Love • Justice • Temperance • Transcendence • Module 8: Positive Behaviours • Stress & Resilience • Stress Spiral • ABCDE Model • Adverstiy • Beliefs • Consequences • Dispute • Energise • Poulson “RISE” 4 steps to Resilience • Barbara Fredrickson “Positivity”

7. Module 9: Positive Relationships • Johari Window • Self Respect and Self Love • 5 Love Languages • Goleman “Emotional Intelligence” • Module 10: Positive Communication • Communication Process • Effective Communication • Conflict Types • Conflict Strategies

8. Module 11: Self Empowerment • Albert Bandura - Self-Efficacy • Integrating the 4 sources of influence • Mastery Experiences • Social Modelling • Social Persuasion • Psychological Wellbeing • Incorporating the CHOOSE model into life • Module 12: Enjoy the moment • Reflection over Term • Savouring the Moment • Gratitude • Enjoying Every Opportunity

9. Research Project • Invitation to 168 participants enrolled in Positive Learning for University from 2012 to 2016 • Survey Monkey • Demographics • Questions related to own experience in the unit and the concepts that had most impact on them personally • Share personal stories of success attributed to concepts learnt • Single word to describe impact of unit • Epiphanies that resulted from the unit • Appreciative Inquiry • Goal is to identify the effectiveness of PLU in facilitating change in a student’s life. • Past students became the change actors and their voice and experience became the data.

10. Word Cloud

11. Most Valued Concept Thinking processes – ANTS/POTs, optimism, ABCDE, 4CS Strengths – VIA character strengths Health – nutrition, physical, sleep

12. Personal Stories of Success • Improved mental health • Personal physical health • Success with education • There was much hesitation beginning PLU. I was at a stage in my life where not much was positive and it was difficult to relate to the material. Throughout the course the content taught me how to have a better mental perspective.

13. Epiphany – That Ah-Ha Moment • Deeper Self Awareness • Growth and confidence in self • Clarity • “I was deeply negative about life with a lot of issues and would feel depressed and dragged down. I now see myself in a different light and am a more positive and encouraging person that wants to be around others to help and support.” • Changes in personal beliefs • Self confidence • Improved attitudes • “I had always thought that emotions and ideas of how to act could not be broken down. I now believe they can be and that has helped me self-improve in areas I used to struggle in.” 

14. Epiphany – That Ah-Ha Moment • Expanding Worldviews • Perception of others • Accepting of change and ideas • Viewing the world differently • “I learned something about myself and my up-bringing....I realised its ok to see the world differently from her. My way is neither right nor wrong, but it is my way of living to my beliefs.” • Changes in beliefs around academic ability • Determination • Accepting of change and ideas • “I viewed study differently. Rather than being a chore, I can see it as enlightenment.” • Social Interactions • More positive interactions • Appreciating different types of relationships • “I have become much better at accepting the differences in other people which has made interactions, social and academic, much easier.”

15. Any Questions? Thanks for your time If you have any questions in relation to this unit, please contact me Trixie James CQUniversity t.james@cqu.edu.au 0741 507146