Professional Certificate in Education (Positive Education)

This course is specifically aimed at educators and serves as an introduction to the principles and practices of positive psychology, which is focused on the facilitation of optimal functioning and thriving.

Contemporary science-based methods for enhancing the wellbeing and performance of school staff and students will be presented for critical discussion.The course provides a foundation in the science of positive psychology, with a specific focus on educational contexts.The course content includes a range of evidence-based applications to improve positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment for people of all ages, and allows participants to undertake assessments that focus on developing and evaluating an intervention program.

Course structure

Two compulsory subjects.

• EDUC90806 Introduction to Positive Education
• EDUC90807 Building Positive Education Communities

Entry requirements

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

either

• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline and an additional one year teaching qualification; or
• a four-year teaching degree; or
• an undergraduate degree with a minimum of three years of teaching experience; or
• an undergraduate degree with a minimum of three years of experience working with young people in an educational or community setting.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• prior academic qualification and performance; and, if relevant
• teaching and/or work experience.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for graduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to providingsupport to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website. http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Intended learning outcomes

Students completing the course should:

• have knowledge of current thinking and research in the field of positive psychology, and its application to educational and other relevant contexts;
• have an understanding of how positive psychology may be used to facilitate the learning process, particularly for young / teenage learners;
• have developed an understanding of the varied strengths and approaches to learning demonstrated by young people;
• understand a variety of approaches to creating a learning environment that fosters creativity, innovation and social responsibility amongst learners of all ages;
• be familiar with a range of asset based approaches to learning, and how to mobilise these assets in a way that promotes learning;
• have the opportunity to explore the relevance and application of positive education to their professional practice;
• have knowledge of strength-based, evidence-based, and values-based interventions;
• have an ongoing and deepening commitment to the study and practice of education, and in particular positive education;
• adopt reflective practices with regards to their teaching practices;
• have a sound basis for further studies in Education at the Masters level.