Human Strength-Spotting at School as the Future Foundation of “Us” in the Arctic

• Main Authors: Leskisenoja, Eliisa Marjukka, Uusiautti, Satu
• Other Authors: Yeasmin, Nafisa
• Format: Book Part
• Language: English
• Published: Palgrave Macmillan 2019
• Subjects: /dk/atira/pure/person/fieldofscience2010/5/16/2; name=General education; Arctic
• Online Access: https://research.ulapland.fi/fi/publications/ca500658-2ebc-4eac-8b4b-b3380fd98945

How to enhance the flourishing of children and youth who migrate to and live in the Arctic? How can their belief in their chances of finding well-being in future Arctic communities be reinforced? The purpose of this research was to discover ways of supporting the positive development and well-being of students by applying strength-based teaching. This qualitative research was carried out among sixth-graders (N = 14) of an Arctic Finnish school. Practice in the students’ areas of strength was conducted using special methods and activities during one school year. The research showed how multi-dimensional the effects of strength-based teaching can be: It seemed to benefit not only the students but the class as a community, parents, and the teacher. For the people living in the Arctic, well-being skills that are acquired through positive psychological knowledge of one’s strengths, including hope and optimism, are crucial.