Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it all into words is all that is necessary – Margaret Cousins
As human beings, we often think of self-improvement and ask ourselves, How can I be better? This is a constant question that resides in us. In an era marked by swift technological advancements, shifting societal norms, and a perpetually changing global environment, individuals frequently find themselves seeking self-improvement. Finding gratitude for others can bring joy to individuals and kickstart this developmental journey. In this specific context, education plays a significant role in shaping the minds of future generations and an instructor’s role is crucial in this development. It is important for students to foster an appreciative mindset so they are better equipped to face life’s challenges. Such a mindset transcends mere learning and memorization; it encourages students to view the world through the lens of positivity, gratitude, and open-mindedness.
Appreciative mindset
An appreciative mindset refers to mental learning that encourages people to focus on the positive experiences, bonds, and goodness in their surroundings. It implicates recognizing and valuing strengths, opportunities, and successes in several facets of life rather than dwelling on the negatives. Cultivating this mindset is vital for students as it offers them a broader perspective and a sense of fairness, empowering them to confront challenges with resilience and optimism. Educators serve as powerful motivators in encouraging appreciative mindsets. As students mature, the values and ethics instilled by teachers will also mature, aiding in their overall development. Embracing appreciation is a moral that encourages individuals to focus on the positive aspects of others, situations, and events. Consistent practice leads to a lasting transformation, turning positive thinking into a habitual mindset.
Significance in education
Enriched learning experience: When students develop an appreciative mindset, they become more motivated and engaged in their learning journey. They cultivate a curiosity to explore and understand various fields deeply, rather than focusing on only grades and exams. This mindset nurtures a genuine love for learning and a foundation for a better life.
Better mental health: The dominance of anxiety, stress, and other mental health conditions in students is a growing concern. Cultivating an appreciative mindset can buffer against these challenges. By practicing positiveness and gratitude, students can develop emotional resilience and better cope with the academic pressures.
Emotional intelligence: An appreciative mindset motivates students to be more understanding and empathetic toward their peers and others around them. This, in turn, fosters strong social ties and emotional intelligence, allowing them to develop effective communication, build healthier relationships, and work collaboratively.
Preparing for the future: The world is progressing at an unprecedented pace, and the power to adapt is becoming increasingly significant. An appreciative mindset in students instils the flexibility to welcome change positively. They will be more open toward new ideas, different perspectives, and innovative solutions, making them active contributors of the world.
Benefits of fostering an appreciative mindset
Developing gratitude: An appreciative mindset trains students to develop a sense of gratitude for the resources, opportunities, and support they receive. Gratitude also improves mental wellbeing, increases life satisfaction, and health.
Increasing confidence: Students who develop an appreciative mindset will have a positive self-image and build confidence. They focus on their achievements and strengths rather than concentrating on their weaknesses. This improves their self-esteem and self-confidence, which are important for personal, academic, and career growth.
Conflict resolution: Conflicts are an inherent part of any society. Cultivating an appreciative mindset educates students to adopt a positive outlook, which can help prevent conflicts and facilitate understanding and resolution. This way, individuals are more inclined to concentrate on solutions that benefit all parties and foster harmony.
Creativity and innovation: An appreciative mindset fosters creativity by encouraging students to have a multi-perspective lens and think outside of the box. When students explore the opportunities rather than just the challenges, they are more likely to generate innovative solutions.
Strategies for encouraging an appreciative mindset
Modeling of behavior: Peers, instructors, family, and friends play a significant role in modeling students’ mindset. By showing the practice of positivity, gratitude, and open-mindedness, students can imitate and emulate such behaviors. This is also known as social learning.
Integrating positive psychology: Positive psychology intrusions, such as gratitude, kindness, and mindfulness, can be incorporated into the curriculum. These practices will help students actively develop an appreciative mindset.
Reflection theory: Regular practice of reflecting on previous behaviors will help students identify positive experiences, strengths, and accomplishments. This habit encourages them to center their attention on the positive things happening in their life and cultivates enriching experiences.
Diversity and inclusion: Encountering various cultures, viewpoints, and concepts broadens one’s perspective. Educators play a pivotal role in creating inclusive learning spaces, particularly in classrooms where students come from diverse backgrounds, where they can promote the celebration and appreciation of this diversity.
Real-world contexts: Illustrating real-word scenarios that practice and embrace appreciative mindset with examples and context will help students understand the practical implementation and inspire them through relatable stories.
In conclusion, developing an appreciative mindset in students is a basic aspect of education that goes beyond acquiring academic knowledge. By fostering positivity, gratitude, and open mindedness, instructors can empower students with essential skills to flourish in this complex and dynamic world. An appreciative mindset embraces a student’s learning experience, social interactions, and mental well-being, also training them to become creative, adaptable, and empathetic. As we continue to redefine education, let us embrace the power of appreciation and help mold our students into individuals of which they are proud.
Dr. Revanth Kumar Guttena is an assistant professor in marketing at Woxsen University in India. Guttena has nine years of experience and a PhD degree in business administration from National Dong Hwa University in Taiwan and a masters in imagineering from Breda University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. Guttena practices appreciative inquiry in his daily life and feels the importance of this in students’ lives.
References
Bloom, J. L., Hutson, B. L., He, Y., & Konkle, E. (2013). Appreciative education. New Directions for Student Services, 143(143), 5-18.
Grogan, J. (2011). The appreciative tutor. Journal of College Reading and Learning, 42(1), 79-
88.
Yballe, L., & O’Connor, D. (2000). Appreciative pedagogy: Constructing positive models for learning. Journal of Management Education, 24(4), 474-483.
