( Each student has a different strength and talent. Students learn in different ways and use different strengths in order to learn.)
What is Strength based approach? Strength based approach focuses on the individual needs and strengths rather than the content. Every child learns differently. It is important for teacher to get to know their students and find out their strengths and weaknesses and what strategies are helpful in the classroom. It is important for the teacher to teach lesson is variety of ways therefore she is reaching out to all students' learning styles. Students need to feel comfortable in their environment and be able to express their thoughts freely. Also, in my classroom I would give explicit instructions on how to do things therefore, all students know what to expect from me. Teachers need to understand their students talents and strengths. According to Anderson(2005) "There is a direct connection between your talents and your achievements.Your talents empower you. They enable you to move to higher levels of excellence and fulfill your potential.That is why it is so important for you to know,understand,and value your talents.A talent represents a capacity to do something. In fact, when you are able to do something very well,you can be sure that at least one of your talents is involved. Just think about all the things you do very well.You’ll realize that you have many talents! Not only do talents help you do something well once; they help you do it well over and over" (Anderson, E. (2005)Strengths-based educating: a concrete way to bring out the best in students—and yourself. Retrieved on February 12, 2008). (resource) This website made me realize that I need to focus on the talents of my students. As a teacher I need to have my students discover their talents and turn them into strengths. Anderson (2005) explains "as they do so, their self-identities and personal values should become clearer, and as a result,they will likely become more confident, optimistic, and focused. As they achieve through their strengths,they will likely aspire to—and achieve—higher goals"(Anderson, E. (2005)Strengths-based educating: a concrete way to bring out the best in students—and yourself. Retrieved on February 12, 2008). (resource)
