Adapting Positive Psychology Practices in Education to "Positive Education Term"

It is necessary to investigate the development of positive psychology as well as the field of positive education, which has an application of positive psychology in educational settings and schools. Because there is not enough literature support on this subject, especially in Turkey. Practices in educational settings developed quite early at the beginning of the movement known today as positive psychology. The term "positive education" has been used to refer to these methods. The term "positive education" has been interpreted in many ways (Seligman et al. 2009; White and Waters 2015; White 2014). O'Shaughnessy and Larson (2014) argue that positive education is a change in basic assumptions in the approach taken to education and often places the primary emphasis on academic achievement only. It is a combination of learning supported by research in positive psychology and the most effective teaching and learning approaches (White 2014). According to White and Waters (2015) and White (2014), "it is an umbrella term used to describe empirically validated interventions and programs from positive psychology that have an impact on student well-being." (“Why won’t it Stick? Positive Psychology and Positive Education”) (“Why won't it Stick? Positive Psychology and Positive Education”) These authors describe it as "an umbrella term used to describe empirically validated interventions and programs from positive psychology." It adopts an approach that can be considered as training for both the development of traditional skills and the character of the person (Seligman et al. 2009; Seligman 2013). According to White and Murray (2015), “Positive education initiatives in schools exist in three forms:” Programs designed to improve well-being, backed by empirical evidence and scientific research, and that have a real impact on well-being, are topics that require research. Initiative-taking techniques supported by scientific research that can be used in all school mental health programs in schools should be given more importance. Character building education, which includes teachings that focus on specific virtues or values and are based on philosophy or values-based teaching, can thus be conducted.