Hope
As a hope researcher and hopeful educator, Hope is always a #alted non-negotiable. If you are doing SEL work, making it intentionally build hope is essential. Let's discuss.
“Hopeful students are excited about the future.
Hopeful students go to school.
Hopeful students are engaged at school.” (Lopez, 2013).
Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash
I have talked about Hope in my past newsletters, but this discussion is focused on what Hope is and hopeful classroom practices.
“Researchers have found that students who are high in Hope have greater academic success, stronger friendships, and demonstrate more creativity and better problem-solving. They also have lower levels of depression and anxiety and are less likely to drop out from school.” (Zakrzewski, 2012).
Snyder’s and Lopez’s Hope work have been instrumental in Positive Psychology and for implications for students in school. Goals, pathways, and agency are so important, but how can teachers support this work in the classroom? Beyond direct Hope lessons? In my previous newsletter, I discussed Hope in seating charts. But there are more ways teachers can increase Hope. See the infographic below.
PBL is a huge component of success in many research fields. It is a foundational practice of community schools, it supports accelerated learning, and it is definitely a source of increased hope levels in students. The process that incorporates goal setting, project planning, authenticity, collaboration, and reflection is hope gold. If you are not a PBL classroom, there are other things you can do regarding classroom management, engagement, and relationships that can increase student hope levels.
Hope is contagious. Just being the hopeful being that you are increases Hope. Hope begets Hope. I look forward to discussing Hope with you as I break down its implications with PBL, Classroom Management, Engagement, and Relationships in the classroom.
P.S. High hope educators have pretty phenomenal outcomes as well.
Additional Readings on Hope:
7 Ways to Infuse Your Curriculum With Hope
Young people dealing with the effects of the pandemic can be encouraged through lessons that inspire resilience.
Making Hope happen in the classroom
Enjoy!
-jamie