Course Description

Module 01:The Science of Happiness 

Understandings:
A common belief is that happiness is dependent on situational and external factors. However, a relatively new field of psychology called Positive Psychology asks the question, "what is working" instead of what is your problem or diagnosis. In this new paradigm it has been researched and proven that we can take control of our individual happiness by maximizing "positivity boosters" and decreasing "negativity enablers". There are specific intentional activities and behaviors that one can integrate that will increase your Positivity Ratio and thereby your overall wellbeing.

Essential questions:

What is the history of Positive Psychology? What is the definition of happiness? Do you have control over your happiness? Are there research based strategies that one can adopt to increase happiness? How much effort does it take to increase the ratio of positive emotions?

Knowledge:

  • What is positive psychology, who developed it and why is it important?
  • What is happiness and do you have any control over it?
  • Genetic 50%, Intentional activities 40% and environment 10%
  • What are the research based intentional behavior activities that increase the 40% of happiness that you have control over?
  • What is the positivity ratio and how do we use it?

Senior Instructors

Dr. Mary E. Sanders & Eric B. Hamilton

Dr. Mary E. Sanders and Eric B. Hamilton have combined their strengths to develop a unique, research-based program for schools, teachers, and students to increase wellbeing and happiness. To create our curriculum, we have curated the findings of Dr. Martin Seligman, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Dr. Angela Duckworth, Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD., among other leading positive psychology experts, into practical strategies that can be integrated into teachers’ personal lives, as well as their classrooms, enabling teachers and students to thrive.ERIC B. HAMILTONEric B. Hamilton is a veteran director for international schools around the world. Eric has spent his entire career enabling schools to be happier, more compassionate environments where both students and teachers thrive. His extensive experience in curriculum development and school leadership have enabled him and Mary to develop their courses using the most contemporary and research-based pedagogical methods.Eric has over 25 years experience in education as a teacher and leader. He attended the University of Delaware where he earned his B.S. in elementary education and middle school math. Later, he completed the master’s program at the University of Colorado in curriculum and instruction. He has been a dedicated practitioner of mindfulness, meditation, and yoga for the past 10 years.MARY E. SANDERSDr. Mary E. Sanders has been involved in the world of positive psychology, health, and wellness for more than 20 years. With certifications from the Wholebeing Institute in Positive Psychology and as a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) practitioner, she is highly qualified to lead teachers towards happier, more holistic classrooms.Dr. Sanders attended Eastern Illinois University and earned her B.S. in zoology and chemistry. She then attended Logan College of Chiropractic to earn her doctorate in chiropractic. Dr. Sanders is a certified yoga Instructor and has been a mindfulness, meditation, and yoga practitioner of over 25 years.

Course curriculum

  • 2

    Chapter 1: Introduction to Positive Psychology

    • What is happiness? Let's hear from other teachers.

    • Introduction to History of Positive Psychology

    • Martin Seligman: The New Era of Positive Psychology

    • What is Positive Psychology?

    • The 12 Psychologists Who Have Changed The Way We Teach

    • Quiz Week 1

  • 3

    Chapter 2: Definition of Happiness

    • How happy are you?

    • Sonja Lyubomirsky: Subjective Happiness Scale

    • Introduction to Definition of Happiness

    • Tal Ben Shahar: Happiness 101

    • Matthieu Ricard: The Habits of Happiness

    • Discussion: Definitions of Happiness

    • Quiz Week 2

  • 4

    Chapter 3: Intentional Activities to Increase Happiness

    • Intentional Activities to Increase Happiness

    • Sonja Lyubomirsky: The Science of Happiness

    • Quiz Week 3

  • 5

    Chapter 4: The Positivity Ratio

    • Week 4: The Positivity Ratio

    • Barbara Fredrickson: The Positivity Ratio

    • Discussion - Barbara Fredrickson Positivity Ratio

    • Barbara Fredrickson: Positive Emotions

    • Barbara Fredrickson: The Positivity Self Test

    • Quiz Week 4: The Positivity Ratio

  • 6

    Teacher's Tool Box

    • Aviva Lesson Plans, Evidences, Resources and References

    • How to Upload Evidence

    • Certification Requirements

  • $399.00

    $399.00Aviva Education 9 Month Program ENG 2018

    Buy Now