What’s your locus of control?

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Have you ever heard about Rotter’s theory of the locus of control?

The locus-of-control

Image credits: Mindmaps wikispaces

Based on a test giving you a range of situations to think of,  it provides you with a result that is either:

Internal

or

External

Depending on your experience you will tend towards one or the other. If you’re a newly qualified teacher, it’s likely to be external while if you’re a more experienced teacher, you’ll have an internal locus of control. The key as new teachers is to work on our locus of control, no matter how long it takes it has to be developed if we are  to stay for a few years.

References

MindMaps – Rotter – Jackie. 2013. MindMaps – Rotter – Jackie. [ONLINE] Available at:
http://mindmaps.wikispaces.com/Rotter+-+Jackie
. [Accessed 31 January 2013].

Measures of Locus of Control. 2013. Measures of Locus of Control. [ONLINE] Available at:
http://www.wilderdom.com/psychology/loc/Measures.html
. [Accessed 31 January 2013].

BBC Radio 4 – Mind Changers, Julian Rotter and Locus of Control . 2013. [ONLINE] Available at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01gf5sr
. [Accessed 31 January 2013].

Research: Retention and intention in teaching careers: will the new generation stay?

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The paper was written by  Dr Lindsey Smethem from Nottingham University.

The Teaching and Leadership Research Centre looked at the effects of workload on NQTs but also suggested that appreciation and support from senior staff were key to a more positive approach to workload.

Read or download: “Retention and intention in teaching careers: will the new generation stay?”

PERMA in education

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Photo credits: Martino Ferrari (fotopedia)

I recently read about a new theory developed by Martin Seligman. The theory is called “The PERMA Model”. For those who are not familiar with the acronym:

  1. Positive Emotions (P).
  2. Engagement (E).
  3. Positive Relationships (R).
  4. Meaning (M).
  5. Achievement/Accomplishment (A).

According to Seligman, if they live according to these 5 criteria people could flourish. What could this new model bring to educators, students and schools? One of the implications would be happier schools. Happier schools would then have a positive impact on their communities whether directly involved or indirectly involved with them.

Resources

The PERMA model by Mindtools

What is PERMA? by Gostrengths

Seligman’s Psychology by Psychology Today

On the value of relaxation for teachers

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What could one do to ensure that they remain calm at all times? Teachers usually have busy/hectic days and are required to face a variety of situations challenging, stressful and the list goes on.

If executed properly relaxation techniques can enable one to clear their mind and to refocus.  Generally speaking, in order to react positively or to make appropriate decisions, one needs to be able to keep their composure as well as their focus. Relaxation can be an effective way of achieving this.

Fortunately for us, there are  many techniques that are worth looking at.

Again, a technique that will work for one individual may not work for another so it will be important to try to find the technique that will work for you.

Resources

A Teacher’s Secret For Relaxation: Quick Study
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/12/01/quick-study-a-teachers-tip_n_1124023.html
Some relaxation methods
http://www.dynamitelessonplan.com/some-relaxation-methods/
Mindfulness and relaxation by The Melbourne Mindfulness Centre
http://www.stillmind.com.au/mindfulnessandrelaxation.htm

The centre is run by a registered counselling psychologist, Colin Thompson, from Monash University.

Mind the moment (e-learning course), Harvard Healthcare Pilgrim
https://www.harvardpilgrim.org/portal/page?_pageid=1434,360741&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
Mindfulness and relaxation exercises

http://www.growingmind.org/mindfulness-and-relaxation.html
Coping with stress checklist
http://www.nmha.org/index.cfm?objectid=C7DF9899-1372-4D20-C89412D66A4FF88D
Relaxation techniques from Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/relaxation-technique/SR00007

Action for Happiness in Schools

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greatdream_full_400I feel like I have been neglecting the blog, but it’s all about priorities isn’t it? At the moment, I am working on news posts so there will be more to come over the next few days.

Action for Happiness is a movement that promotes happiness and wellbeing. The movement is growing and recently extended its work to schools. Today, I will share with you a link to a page offering information on their work in schools:

Action for Happiness in Schools

I highly recommend the “links” section which provides a wealth of useful links related to happiness in schools. I chose to post it even though the focus of this blog is “Teachers’ wellbeing” because I am convinced that teachers’ wellbeing cannot go without looking at students’ wellbeing and whole-school initiatives. These are interdependent especially when teachers’ behaviours have an influence on their students.

Happy Holidays!

Selected reading: Every teacher matters

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Every-Teacher-Matters-FRONT-COVER“Teachers are the most valuable resource in Education. Why is it that so little investment is made to supporting teachers to ensure they can sustain effective teaching and learning in the classroom?” Every Teacher Matters

What is it about? The book is about teachers’ wellbeing. Kathryn Lovewell, the author, has been teaching Drama for over 16 years and has experienced the highs and lows of the job and shares her tips to look after oneself as a teacher.

Who is it for? Teachers (new to the profession or experienced) and anyone interested in teachers’ wellbeing.
What is the presentation like? The book is clear, accessible, well-written, and the tone is friendly.
Would you recommend it? I would say that it is a vital reading for any NQT, but also any experienced teacher.  The strength of the book lies in its wealth of practical advice. The only bad point is that, while the workshops run by the author are mentioned, no further information is given about their content. It would have been good to know a little about the techniques used in her workshops as a taster. The references used throughout the book are also very relevant and up to date and bring up more literature on “Teachers’ wellbeing”. I would recommend it strongly to anyone interested in not only growing in the profession, but also looking after oneself. The book is a breath of fresh air, ultimately positive and inspiring in many ways.