An evaluation of the use of character strengths as an asset-based approach to learner support

Abstract

The global movement towards inclusive education aims to create a safe environment where teachers are expected to actively pursue various methods to implement asset-based support for all learners. The prominence of the learners’ challenges, however, still guides most teachers’ methods of support. Teachers need to review all the resources, strategies, and practices that can be used in the classroom to provide physical, social, emotional, and intellectual support to all learners. Mindful professional development can empower teachers to support learners in all aspects of their education. In this article we report on a study in which Grade 7 teachers’ perceptions of a staff development workshop, which introduced them to an asset-based approach for learner support, namely, the identification and utilisation of character strengths, were explored. The main findings indicate that teachers gained new knowledge and greater insight and awareness about character strengths, which enabled them to rethink and reshape their perceptions of learner support. They came to view the identification of character strengths as a crucial component of effective learner support. The results of the research have implications for all schools to implement an approach to learner support based on character strengths.