2/28/2017 HOW GRATITUDE CAN IMPROVE STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS: EDUCATING HEARTS AND MINDS IN THE 21ST CENTURY Giacomo Bono, PhD OVERVIEW OF WEBINAR Intro to Giacomo (2 min) Why I do this research? Problems it tackles. (5 min) What is gratitude? Gratitude as a choice. (3 min) Why gratitude matters (as a life skill)? (5 min) Benefits of gratitude to students and schools (results so far). (5 min) Promotion Strategies. (30 min) Conclusions & Questions (10 min). 1
2/28/2017 My story of when achievement started to matter to me in 5th and 6th grade thanks to a teacher who used a personal touch to motivate student learning. • She let us win points on quizzes, which we could accumulate to be able to buys full-size candies! SCHOOLING & FAMILIES TODAY • Central tenet of teaching = build positive relationships with students, BUT… • testing • punitive approach to student misbehavior • large classrooms • Busy parents, commercial forces, 24/7 info superhighway, traditions changing… • pressure to compete, stand out • depression, anxiety Supports for youths ’ emotional development? 2
2/28/2017 NATURAL SUPPORTS FOR EMOTIONAL COMPETENCE, CHARACTER… • With gratitude, tackle big problems… • All kids need supportive, trusting relationships to grow and improve • personal engagement/motivation, positive relationships with youth, and everyday emotional support • kids get a safe classroom climate or home where they feel a sense of belonging & hope for potential • Significant keys to academic success POSITIVE EMOTIONS 6 3
2/28/2017 WHAT IS GRATITUDE? G = ability to recognize, acknowledge, and respond positively for benefits we receive & for benefactors in our lives. G = Choice (intentional all around) G = Most malleable character strength, most linked to happiness, link to EQ? HOW GRATITUDE PROMOTES WELL-BEING & DEVELOPMENT 1. Moral Barometer • “Benefit detector” 2. Moral Reinforcer • Recipient = good ROI 3. Moral Motivator • Direct & upstream reciprocity 4. Self-Improvement & Generativity • goals & self-regulation moral anchoring • 4
2/28/2017 BENEFITS FOR ADOLESCENTS • Mental Health & Life Satisfaction • Physical health (exercise & diet) • Materialism • Strong Relationships • Builds Community • Intrinsic Motivation (Flow) • Behavior (Conduct) BENEFITS TO BEHAVIOR Antisocial = Hit/pushed/kicked/picked on peers Self-Control Left peer out of a game Spread rumors Broke a peer’s things Gratitude Antisocial Threatened someone to get your way Delinquency = Life Principal’s office Satisfaction Suspended Skipping school Gratitude Delinquency Bring alcohol or drugs to school 5
2/28/2017 A POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT VIEW • All children have strengths • All families, schools, & communities have assets – or “nutrients” of healthy, positive development for igniting and guiding use of those strengths • The key to PYD is creating a good fit between a child’s strengths and ecological assets CAN WE TEACH GRATEFUL THINKING? 6
2/28/2017 Elementary school effects so far? Results 1. Control vs. Curriculum Classes 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 pre post control curriculum Elementary School Results - 2: Significant changes from pre to post for curriculum classes in: Benefactor Intention Grateful Affect Antisocial Behavior Validation & Caring Help & Guidance Companion/Recreation Intimacy & Exchange Friendship Satisfaction 7
2/28/2017 Middle/High School Results? Significant changes from pre to post in (compared to a control group): Less depression Less anxiety Better conduct More hope More search for meaning BENEFIT APPRAISALS 1. Personal Value/Meaning of Help or Gift • Fun? Interesting to you? Did you need it? Useful to you? Something you’ve been wanting? 2. Cost to Benefactor • Did they go out of their way for you? What did they give up to do that for you? Did they put in a lot of effort for you? 3. Prosocial Intention of Benefactor*** • Why do they believe in you? How are they investing in you? What do they inspire you to do? classroom discussions , self-reflection , role playing activities, and strengths-use In class (English, Health, Leadership), SSR, Advisory 8
2/28/2017 You each have gifts, are a gift to the world STRATEGIES FROM GRATITUDE & PURPOSE CURRICULUM • Focus on promoting grateful thinking & purpose • Use benefit appraisals + journal + thank you letters/notes + gratitude visits + savor walks + gratitude tree • SEE, SAVOR & SPEAK the good, SERVE SOCIETY • Eight 50-min flexible and scalable lessons • Grades 4-12, teacher-delivered Teacher & students have more meaningful interactions Who & what matters, support better choices & intentionality through gratitude, & spark big plans! 9
2/28/2017 MORE STRATEGIES FROM THE CURRICULUM • Goals = Discuss & apply gratitude broadly • Reflect on & thank benefactors • “My Gratitude Journal” • Gratitude buckets/wall, appreciating each other • Discuss Video clips • Read Thank You Mr. Falker ( by Patricia Polacco) Write/reflect when people intentionally help us through difficulty/doubt >>> write their own version as an autobiographical cartoon 10
2/28/2017 LETTERS OF THANKS Dear _ Person’s name _, Thank you so much for _(describe the kinds of things they do they do to help you)__. This has really helped me _(describe how their actions have benefitted you)__. I also really appreciate how you __(describe other things that they do to help you or make your life better_. I realize that _(describe what it costs them to help you in these ways)_. Your actions show me _(say why you think this person chooses to help you)_. I _(describe how you feel about this person)_. Thank you, _____ Want lesson materials? Email gratitude@berkeley.edu and we’ll email them to you! HOW COULD SOCIETY BE, GRATEFULLY? • Enhance character naturally - it’s about practice • Social exchange experts >> Strong social ties! Why cultivate gratitude and purpose? G 3 (Gratitude, Generosity, & Grit) solves problems, brings out the best in students, and changes the world LET’s connect deeply & positively. Let’s inspire like great schools do! Thank You 11
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