Professional Certificate in Education (Positive Education) (PR-EDPOSED) // Attributes, outcomes and skills

Intended learning outcomes

Students completing the course should:

• have knowledge of current thinking and research in the field of positive psychology, and its application to educational and other relevant contexts;
• have an understanding of how positive psychology may be used to facilitate the learning process, particularly for young / teenage learners;
• have developed an understanding of the varied strengths and approaches to learning demonstrated by young people;
• understand a variety of approaches to creating a learning environment that fosters creativity, innovation and social responsibility amongst learners of all ages;
• be familiar with a range of asset based approaches to learning, and how to mobilise these assets in a way that promotes learning;
• have the opportunity to explore the relevance and application of positive education to their professional practice;
• have knowledge of strength-based, evidence-based, and values-based interventions;
• have an ongoing and deepening commitment to the study and practice of education, and in particular positive education;
• adopt reflective practices with regards to their teaching practices;
• have a sound basis for further studies in Education at the Masters level.

Generic skills

Graduates should develop the following generic skills:

• Problem solving skills, including engaging with, researching and identifying strategies to solve unfamiliar problems and bring about positive change;
• Analytical skills and the ability to construct and express logical arguments;
• To learn to critically investigate, modify and adapt new ideas and approaches;
• Verbal and written communication skills;
• Change management skills;
• Reflective practices;
• Use of evidence and data.

Graduate attributes

Graduate Attributes

The Professional Certificate will enable graduates to achieve the following University of Melbourne Graduate Attributes:

• Academically excellent: graduates will develop in-depth research and evidence-based knowledge of positive psychology and in particular positive education. They will demonstrate a high level of achievement in writing, problem-solving and communication. Graduates will be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning and be adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologies.
• Knowledgeable across disciplines: graduates will examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines, particularly those with relevance to their education setting. They will expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences and have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems. As a result of completing the Professional Certificate they will have a set of skills that will allow multi-disciplinary approaches to student learning, engagement, and wellbeing to be implemented.
• Leaders in communities: Graduates of the Professional Certificate will be prepared to assume leadership roles in their classrooms, schools, or other educational settings through having developed a thorough knowledge of positive education and leading individual, group, and collective change as a result. They will be able to initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces.
• Attuned to cultural diversity: Graduates of the Professional Certificate will be working within organisations characterised by cultural and other forms of diversity. This is reflected in such overarching documents as the Australian Charter for the Teaching Profession, the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young People and the various national professional teaching standards and curriculum documents used in schools and other education settings. Graduates will value different cultures and be well-informed citizens able to contribute to their communities wherever they choose to live and work.
• Active global citizens: As educators knowledgeable in positive education, graduates of the Professional Certificate will contribute and lead social and community change in helping their organisations to flourish. They will recognise that education is the best means we have of opening the doors of opportunity for people and of ameliorating the effects of inequity and disadvantage.