Abstract
Positive psychology provides a different perspective to that of traditional psychology. There is a growing research base of scientific study to validate the significance of this psychological approach in people’s lives. Enabling courses have an increased number of students utilising them as an alternative pathway to gain access to university. These courses have an important structural role in the development and up-skilling of students to assist with a positive transition into undergraduate studies. The Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) course offers a unique unit of study which introduces students to Positive Psychology as a means for students to develop the psychological resilience required on the student learning journey. Positive Learning for University (PLU), takes students on a personal and academic journey where they learn about theories that underpin Positive Psychology and can apply strategies to themselves personally and to their role as students. This article looks at three concepts that students found most beneficial: positive thinking, signature strengths, and resilience and considers why these resonate with students.
Highlights
Enabling programs, such as the Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEP) course offered by CQUniversity Australia, are pathway/transition courses with the key focus on up-skilling and preparing students for the academic rigors they will experience at the undergraduate level of university
The social determinants of mental health exert their effects more broadly at the societal level – the social determinants of mental health, exemplified by income inequality and poor education are underpinned by unequal distribution of opportunity (Compton & Shim, 2015)
The essence of what the findings have indicated is that these students want hope
Summary
Enabling programs, such as the Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEP) course offered by CQUniversity Australia, are pathway/transition courses with the key focus on up-skilling and preparing students for the academic rigors they will experience at the undergraduate level of university. The Positive Learning for University (PLU) unit is one of 12 units offered in the STEPS course. The goal of the unit is to enhance their psychological well-being and teach them concepts that will positively impact on their educational journey. Using the tenets of positive psychology, this unit aims to develop a student’s strengths, capacity and virtues rather than focusing on their weaknesses (James & Seary, 2018). The PLU unit consists of 11 teaching modules and covers 23 core concepts, all of which include examples and exercises for the students to undertake. This unit is not based on developing an academic
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