By harnessing the power of strength-based teaching and inclusive classroom strategies, teachers can unlock the hidden potential in every learner.
Over the past decade, there’s been a positive movement in education designed to create an environment that celebrates and cultivates learner strengths. To learn more about this revolutionary teaching method we chatted to Robbie and Nicky Young, the founders of Westville’s iTHRIVE Institute, a strengths-based organisation that supports the recognition of uniqueness within each child, helping them find their place in society where they can have the greatest impact.
“At the core of creating a strengths-based culture is ensuring that parents are involved in the process, working together with teachers in developing the child,” say Robbie and Nicky, a husband and wife team who, as parents, found themselves not only looking for a strategy to raise their own two children, but wanting to solve the many challenges facing school learners in general.
Nicky, who has a background in project management and community upliftment and has, since 2018 when they founded iTHRIVE, focused on the training of parents and teachers to spot strengths in children, says the hopelessness, apathy and lack of direction she witnessed in teens was a concern.
“Combined with increasing levels of anxiety and low self-esteem, I had to focus my attention on being pro-active in solving the problem,” adds Robbie, a qualified counsellor, high school teacher, and certified strengths coach.
“When I came across Gallup and CliftonStrengths – the world’s leading developmental assessment that measures an individual’s thinking, feeling and behaving, and categorizes them into themes, I knew I’d found something powerful … something that would speak to the identity of the individual as well as provide a structure to navigate towards a life of purpose and fulfilment.”
The couple say the assessment identifies areas where one has the greatest potential for achieving success.
“As we started to incorporate a strengths mindset into our own lives and use the tools available to parent our children, we became convinced this was a huge part of the puzzle. I think we are all aware that the education system is not designed to develop the uniqueness of each child and for most learners, it certainly does not inspire a sense of purpose and vision.”
The two believe that a meaningful life mission must take the individuals innate talents into account, so that they can be developed into strengths.
“It’s alarming that most people have no idea what their strengths are, but not surprising when you understand this is not a priority within the schooling system. It’s a reality that people spend most of their lives trying to fix their weaknesses, as opposed to maximising their strengths and managing their weaknesses,” Nicky says, adding that when it comes to parenting, it’s so easy to fall into this trap and spend time worrying about what is wrong with our children as opposed to focusing on what is right.
The couple say schools are very good at educating children, but when it comes to drawing out what is within a child, developing their innate strengths, they often don’t get it right.
“The way out of this situation is to empower parents and teachers to work together in guiding the child’s purpose journey from a young age. Learning how to stimulate interests in line with strengths and what comes naturally to the child, increases their chances of being engaged in the learning process and ultimately finding a career that is in line with who they are.”
Available courses through iTHRIVE include Parent/Teacher Training for children aged three to 10, Parent/Teacher Training for children aged 10 to 14 and Student Training for ages 15 to 18.
Details: To learn more, visit ithriveinstitute.co.za or follow on Facebook: Ithrive Institute
Some of the benefits of a strengths focus learner are …
Enhanced self-confidence and resilience Children who are encouraged to develop strengths have higher self-confidence and resilience, enabling them to navigate challenges with optimism and adaptability.
Improved self-awareness and personal growth Understanding strengths fosters self-awareness in children, who then actively seek personal growth opportunities, leading to a strong sense of purpose and direction.
Positive parent/teacher-child relationships A strengths-based approach enhances parent/teacher-child relationships through positive interactions and mutual understanding, resulting in deeper connections and better communication.
Increased engagement in learning and activities Children encouraged to use their strengths daily show higher engagement and enthusiasm in learning and extracurricular activities, leading to academic success and a love for learning.
Greater emotional intelligence and well-being Strengths-focused parenting and teaching improves children’s emotional intelligence and well-being, helping them develop better emotional regulation and fewer behavioural issues.
