As a Vocational Nurse Program Instructor at Contra Costa Medical Career College, I am constantly seeking ways to enhance not only the academic success of my students but also their emotional resilience and sense of purpose. Recently, I completed the EC140 - Introduction to Positive Psychology for Educators course through MaxKnowledge—a deeply reflective and intellectually rigorous experience that has reshaped my approach to teaching and learning.
From Theory to Practice: What I Learned
This course introduced me to the foundational elements of positive psychology and their practical applications in education. I learned that interest, practice, purpose, and hope are essential to cultivating grit—a trait that is critical for both educators and students navigating the challenges of vocational training. Academic success, I now understand, is not just about content mastery; it’s about fostering perseverance, self-control, hope, love, and gratitude in the learning environment.
One of the most transformative aspects of the course was taking the VIA Strengths Survey, which revealed my top strengths: Spirituality, Honesty, Creativity, Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence, and Perspective. These insights have helped me teach with greater authenticity and intention. I also became aware of my lesser strengths—Love, Bravery, Humor, and Zest—which I am actively developing through Ayurveda, mindfulness, and journaling.
Bringing Positive Psychology into the Classroom
Armed with this knowledge, I am now integrating a variety of positive psychology interventions into my teaching practice, including:
Growth Mindset Reflections – Helping students reframe challenges as opportunities.
Three Good Things Journaling – Cultivating gratitude and daily reflection.
Purposeful Learning Statements – Connecting academic tasks with personal meaning.
Positivity Breaks – Reducing stress and enhancing focus.
Loving-Kindness Meditation – Promoting empathy and emotional well-being.
I also plan to introduce the VIA Strengths Survey to my students, using the results to personalize instruction and support their emotional development. These tools will help create a more inclusive, resilient, and purpose-driven learning environment—one that prepares students not only for exams but for life.
Integrating the PERMAH Framework in Counseling and Feedback
A key model I now use in both student counseling and feedback is the PERMAH framework, which stands for:
P – Positive Emotion
E – Engagement
R – Relationships
M – Meaning
A – Accomplishment
H – Health
In counseling sessions, I use PERMAH to guide conversations that support holistic well-being. For example, I ask students to reflect on recent positive emotions, identify areas of deep engagement, and explore how their goals align with personal meaning. When providing feedback, I intentionally highlight not just academic performance but also character strengths—such as perseverance, collaboration, or curiosity—that align with PERMAH dimensions. This approach reinforces both academic and emotional growth.
Validated Interventions for Lasting Impact
I plan to incorporate several evidence-based interventions into my curriculum, including:
Using Signature Strengths in New Ways
Encourage students to identify and apply their top strengths in novel ways.
Three Good Things
Daily journaling of three positive events and their causes.
You at Your Best
Reflecting on a time they were at their best and the strengths they used.
Best Possible Selves
Writing about their ideal future where everything has gone well.
Gratitude Visit
Writing and delivering a letter of thanks to someone they’ve never properly thanked.
Random Acts of Kindness
Performing spontaneous, kind acts without expecting anything in return.
Recognition and Room for Growth
I was pleased to receive a CEU certificate and a virtual badge acknowledging my successful completion of the course—tangible affirmations of the time and effort invested. These recognitions are meaningful and appreciated. However, I do wish the course offered professional certifications that could further support career advancement and formal recognition within the broader educational and healthcare communities.
Looking Ahead: Teaching with Purpose and Resilience
Despite this limitation, I am grateful for the personal and professional growth this course has inspired. It has reaffirmed my commitment to teaching with empathy, purpose, and resilience. As I continue to implement these practices, I hope to contribute to the legacy of Contra Costa Medical Career College by nurturing students who are not only skilled but also self-aware, compassionate, and ready to thrive in their careers.
Positive psychology has reminded me that education is not just about knowledge—it's about character. And when we nurture both, we empower our students to become their best possible selves.
