IB Learner Profile meet the VIA Character Strengths

In a course I taught this summer, someone mentioned that they had seen a document comparing the IB Learner Profile with the VIA Character Strengths. An IB coordinator identifed that many character strengths are embeed in the IB Learning profiel but only provided a list of the traights, not explicitly linking it to any of the 8 profile statements: “Creativity, Ingenuity, Originality, Curiosity, Judgement and Critical Thinking, Love of Learning, Perspective, Valour and Bravery, Diligence/ Perseverance, Integrity, Honesty Vitality, Zest, Enthusiasm Kindness and Generosity Loving and being Loved, Social/Emotional Intelligence, Citizenship, Duty, Equity, Fairness Leadership, Self Control, Forgiveness, Modesty, Prudence, Caution, Appreciation of Beauty, Gratitude, Hope, Optimism, Playfulness, Sense of Purpose” 

Having not been able to find a more specific document, I created my own; mine looks specifically for primary connections as opposed to secondary one. Certainly, for example, you could argue leadership is present when working indepeendently as stated in the inquires bullet, but it is not specific enough to 

 

The IB Learner Profile

IB learners strive to be:

Inquirers

They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and  show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.

Knowledgeable

They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire indepth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.

Thinkers

They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.

Communicators

They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language  and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.

Principled

They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.

Open-minded

They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.

Caring

They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.

Risk-takers

They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.

Balanced

They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal wellbeing for themselves and others.

Reflective

They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.

What parents really want for their children

What do you think parents want more for their children?

  • Be happy in life
  • Lead a healthy lifestyle
  • Earn enough to enjoy a comfortable life
  • Be successful in their career
  • Fulfil their potential 

 

According to a survey of over 5000 parents in 16 countries by banking great HSBC, 64% want happiness. Parents were asked to pick their top three, in rank order. HSBC then breaks it out by country:

Q: What are the three most important goals that you want your child to achieve as an adult?

More individualist socieites emphasized happiness. I personally am surprised to se China rank so high on lifestyle and so low on earning enough to have a comfortable life. Not sure what to make of this other than people in developing nations who have an HSBC bank account probably already have a comfortable life that they intend to pass onto their children. How does this compare to the UN Happy country index?

So ambition may not represent current reality, but hope can be a powerful motivator. 

 

Training in positive psychology coming to Shanghai

Want training in positive psychology training? I will be doing some training in Shanghai in January 2016. 

Date: Jan 16-17
School: Shanghai American School

Title: Flourishing in Schools: Utilizing groundbreaking research and tools from positive psychology to improve student’s wellbeing.
Consultant: Shaun McElroy
Coordinator: Janet Claassen, janet.claassen@saschina.org
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