Our feelings affect the way we approach learning. A reality on which the proper use of technology also influences, and on which the teacher and writer Tal Ben-Shahar, specialized in positive psychology and leadership, gives us the keys to understand where the education of the future is heading.
Education-based on positive psychology
It is necessary to educate by relying on positive emotions so that our brain relates the learning process with joyful emotions and thus shows itself predisposed to education.
Quite the opposite to when teaching is developed where nerves and stress predominate. In this case, our brain relates negative emotions to learning and, as a consequence, rejects it.
Based on all this, Tal Ben-Shahar asks the following question: why is the science of happiness not taught in schools? When an education focused on helping students cultivate healthy relationships is developed, better managing difficulties or vital skills not only makes them happier but also more successful people.
A pending subject
For many years, education has emphasized subjects such as mathematics or history, disciplines that bring us closer to our future work. However, isn’t it just as important to teach people to be resilient? That is, give them the guidelines so that they are able to better manage difficulties.
The education of the future is one of the most important disciplines within society since its objective is to train people from the time they are small.
In this way, it is not only essential that children know how to add or subtract, but it is also important that they develop skills such as emotional intelligence. Skills that are not only beneficial for our work life, but also for our personal life.
The paradigm of happiness applied to the teaching of the future
“Happiness contributes to innovative thinking, teamwork, motivation and productivity,” says Tal Ben-Shahar, focusing on the importance of feelings that lead to the self-confidence of each person.
In fact, when an education based on happiness is developed, it is easier for people to be able to adapt to changes, to be more creative or innovative and even for teamwork to develop in a more positive way.
The change in the educational system comes hand in hand with the paradigm of happiness applied to teaching. If as children we learn through games and fun classes, why not continue this type of education in institutes or universities? When people are motivated and interested in classes, the learning process is positive, therefore, this is where we should go.
Some applied cases of happiness in the workplace
Tal Ben-Shahar has succeeded in attracting his philosophy of him up to 1,400 students each semester in his classes on positive psychology.
A discipline that is also important in the workplace. In the same way that happens in schools, a work environment that encourages the development of a positive work environment facilitates the fulfillment of people. A reality that is reflected in the VI survey of Adecco ‘Happiness at Work’ 2017 where it is ensured that the workforce of companies highly values achieving work happiness.
Thus, when we are happy and motivated, our work is more productive and efficient. Therefore, the work environment is a key element, because if it is positive, a greater sense of trust develops between people and, therefore, healthier relationships.