THUNDER BAY -- Local educators are learning how to help students use their individual strengths to overcome academic challenges.
Uncovering Your Students’ Potential: A Workshop on Integrating a Strengths-Based Approach is taking place Monday and Tuesday at the Valhalla Inn.
Hosted by Lakehead University’s Centre of Excellent for Children and Adolescents with Special Needs, the workshop aims to give educators the tools needed to engage students with academic and behaviourial issues.
Edward Rawana, associate professor of psychology with Lakehead University, said the program helps teachers tap into students’ strength to deal with issues in the classroom.
“If a student is having problems with math and one of his strengths is he’s a very visual learner, you can use that strength in order to them how to work through some of their math challenges,” Rawana said.
“It’s that kind of concept educators have found to be interesting,” he added.
Throughout the two-day conference, experts in the field from around the country will be
presenting to educators from school boards throughout Northwestern Ontario.
The response so far has been positive, Rawana said, noting being aware of a student’s individual strength can enhance the task of working through that student’s challenges.
“It’s a very simple concept. It doesn’t require a tremendous amount of financial input. It’s just a different way of looking at kids,” he said.
Some of the benefits, seen through research, have been an improved school climate; it’s made more positive through increased student success and reduced bullying.
“Kids are feeling safe and they’re engaged in their educational work. We’ve also seen some indications of increased academic excellence,” Rawana said.
