On the morning of March 2nd, 2019, Vietnam-Finland International School (VFIS) held a Seminar on: Implementing positive education in Finnish schools with the participation of many leaders of schools, teachers and parents who were interested. The Seminar was presented by the Finnish Education Experts Mika Rantala and Finnish Primary Teacher Annina Autio.
At the Seminar, the Speaker explained the basic definitions and core origin of the concept: positive education; which has been built on the basis of positive psychological theories; Among them are the P.E.R.M.A. Model (the 5 components that create the Well-being for humans), and VIA character strengths theory (studying about 6 classes of virtues and 24 character strengths of each person). With the P.E.R.M.A. Model, the researchers have suggested practitioners several strategies for maintaining and developing positive people in schools such as developing positive emotions (Positive Emotion), actively participating in activities (Engagement), building positive relationships (Relationship), looking for positive meaning in each activity (Meaning), and striving to get positive achievements (Achievement). Speaker Annina invited 8 people to experience a group discussion activity for Grade 2 pupils, so the audience can realize the meaning in that activity together on how the teacher intentionally developed all 5 aspects of contribution to the Well-being for students.
In addition, at the seminar, the speakers also stated that in Finland, the happiest country ranked in the world, the school's educational programs are built on each student's strengths, ensuring people are always confident in their own values and can actively do self-study and self-discovery in a well-being and happy teaching-learning environment.
The Seminar brought new, practical and well updated knowledge which helped participants find solutions to the ultimate purpose of education: creating individuals who positively contribute to the development of the society. The Seminar was also an encouragement for schools to bravely change to achieve the goal of bringing true happiness in teaching and learning activities, training students into true warriors not to win anyone other but themselves to create values for society. It is also a teaching and learning culture at Vietnam - Finland International School (VFIS) in the coming years.
Some photos of the Seminar:
