Our teachers recently completed an intensive character coaching training, an initiative that has profoundly transformed our approach to education. The Positive Psychology Association of Kenya conducted this training, equipping us with powerful tools to nurture not just academic proficiency but also the essential life skills and virtues that define a whole person. This blog post shares our teachers’ experience and the key principles that we are now actively integrating into our school’s ethos.
Mastering the Self
The training begun by delving into Self-regulation. We learned how to help students control their emotions and behaviors, a fundamental skill for effective learning and positive social interactions. Subsequently, we explored the power of Gratitude. We discovered how to encourage students to recognize and appreciate the good in their lives, fostering a more positive and connected school community. This practice has already started transforming our classrooms.
Thinking Critically and Growing Continuously
In a world overflowing with information, we must teach our students to think critically. We were given strategies to help them analyze information, evaluate arguments, and form well-reasoned judgments. This is a skill they will carry with them for life. Moreover, we embraced the concept of a Growth mindset. We now understand how to instill in our students the belief that their abilities are not fixed but can be developed through hard work. This mindset shift is a game-changer, fostering a love for learning and resilience.
We also delved deeply into Resilience and Posttraumatic growth. We now have the tools to help our students bounce back from adversity and even experience positive psychological change as a result of challenges. We prepare them to face life’s inevitable setbacks with strength and optimism.
Nurturing Social and Emotional Intelligence
Furthermore, we focused on Social emotional intelligence. We learned how to help our students understand their own emotions and empathize with others. We now have practical ways to develop their empathy and social awareness, building the foundation for healthy relationships. Consequently, we also explored fundamental virtues like Integrity and Wisdom. We are actively teaching our students to be honest and to adhere to strong moral principles. We are guiding them to make sound judgments based on knowledge and experience.
Discovering Passion, Purpose, and Compassion
We introduced the idea of Harmonious passion, a concept that helps students find joy and purpose in their pursuits. We encourage them to invest their time and energy in activities they love. We also emphasized the Virtue of compassion. We are helping our students develop a deep awareness of and sympathy for others’ suffering, knowing that compassionate individuals build a more humane and just society.
Ultimately, our training concluded with a focus on Spirituality and Purpose. We recognize that these concepts are crucial for a sense of meaning and well-being. We are now guiding our students to explore their own sense of purpose and connect with something larger than themselves.
This character coaching training, facilitated by the Positive Psychology Association of Kenya, has truly empowered our teachers. As Holy Cross Catholic International School, we are moving beyond conventional teaching to become genuine mentors. We have already begun integrating the principles of self-regulation, gratitude, critical thinking, growth mindset, and resilience into our curriculum. This initiative underscores our commitment to a holistic educational model where character development is as important as academic achievement. We are confident that our investment in character coaching will build a strong foundation for our students’ future success and well-being, fostering a generation of individuals who are not only intelligent but also compassionate, resilient, and purposeful.