Fostering Holistic Development: Exploring the Integration of Positive Psychology, Constructivist Teaching, and STEAM Education in Hong Kong Secondary Schools

Research Article
Open access

Fostering Holistic Development: Exploring the Integration of Positive Psychology, Constructivist Teaching, and STEAM Education in Hong Kong Secondary Schools

HONG CHING YUEN 1*
  • 1 Hong Kong Shue Yan University    
  • *corresponding author 221014@hksyu.edu.hk
Published on 20 November 2023 | https://doi.org/10.54254/2753-7048/23/20230505
LNEP Vol.23
ISSN (Print): 2753-7056
ISSN (Online): 2753-7048
ISBN (Print): 978-1-83558-125-4
ISBN (Online): 978-1-83558-126-1

Abstract

The proposed teaching approach strongly emphasizes students, promotes problem-solving skills, and encourages a positive outlook. The framework incorporates essential techniques such as scaffolding, securing, and flexible cognition, which Magoon has shown to support student learning and development. By adopting this constructive teaching approach, this study aims to cultivate critical thinking skills, resilience, and a sense of empowerment among students. This aligns with the principles of positive psychology and emphasizes the holistic development of students’ well-being. This research also explores integrating positive education with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education. Combining two powerful educational approaches anticipates enhanced learning outcomes and increased student engagement. Students can foster creativity, innovation, and collaboration by applying their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts. The study highlights the “Creating a Better World” course offered in Hong Kong secondary schools as an exemplary model. Through this course, students gradually develop STEAM projects while incorporating positive education principles and cultivating a growth mindset. The results demonstrate that integrating positive education and constructivist instruction can upgrade students’ autonomous learning and critical thinking skills by providing a motivating and imaginative learning environment. As this integration is applied, teachers are encouraged to explore and innovate continuously to adjust to the necessities of various disciplines and students.

Keywords:

positive psychology, constructivism, Hong Kong secondary school, STEAM education, growth thinking

YUEN,H.C. (2023). Fostering Holistic Development: Exploring the Integration of Positive Psychology, Constructivist Teaching, and STEAM Education in Hong Kong Secondary Schools. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,23,324-328.
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References

[1]. Magoon, A. J. (1977). Constructivist approaches in educational research. Review of educational research, 47(4), 651-693.

[2]. Yip, F. W. L., Zelman, D., & Low, A. (2019). How to improve parenting in Hong Kong by training: The 6As positive parenting program. Public Administration and Policy, 22(1), 55-70.

[3]. King, R. B., Caleon, I. S., Tan, J. P., & Ye, S. (2016). Positive education in Asia. The Asia - Pacific Education Researcher, 25(3), 361-365.

[4]. Waters, L. (2011). A review of school-based positive psychology interventions. The Australian Educational and Developmental Psychologist, 28(2), 75–90.

[5]. Chan, D. W. (2006). Emotional intelligence and components of burnout among Chinese secondary school teachers in Hong Kong. Teaching and teacher education, 22(8), 1042-1054.

[6]. Khine, M., & Areepattamannil, S. (2019). Steam education. Springer, 10, 978-3.

[7]. Compton, W. C. (2005). Introduction to Positive Psychology. Thomson Wadsworth.

[8]. Kwan, Y. W. (2020). Psychometric properties of a Chinese version of the constructivist learning environment survey among secondary school students in Hong Kong. Learning Environments Research, 23(2), 167–184.

[9]. Chen, C. W. J., & Lo, K. M. J. (2019). From teacher-designer to student-researcher: A study of attitude change regarding creativity in STEAM education using Makey as a platform for human-centered design instrument. Journal for STEM Education Research, 2, 75-91.

[10]. Brunzell, T., Stokes, H., & Waters, L. (2016). Trauma-informed positive education: Using positive psychology to strengthen vulnerable students. Contemporary School Psychology, 20(1), 63-83.


Cite this article

YUEN,H.C. (2023). Fostering Holistic Development: Exploring the Integration of Positive Psychology, Constructivist Teaching, and STEAM Education in Hong Kong Secondary Schools. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,23,324-328.

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About volume

Volume title: Proceedings of the International Conference on Global Politics and Socio-Humanities

ISBN:978-1-83558-125-4(Print) / 978-1-83558-126-1(Online)
Editor:Javier Cifuentes-Faura, Enrique Mallen
Conference website: https://www.icgpsh.org/
Conference date: 13 October 2023
Series: Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media
Volume number: Vol.23
ISSN:2753-7048(Print) / 2753-7056(Online)

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References

[1]. Magoon, A. J. (1977). Constructivist approaches in educational research. Review of educational research, 47(4), 651-693.

[2]. Yip, F. W. L., Zelman, D., & Low, A. (2019). How to improve parenting in Hong Kong by training: The 6As positive parenting program. Public Administration and Policy, 22(1), 55-70.

[3]. King, R. B., Caleon, I. S., Tan, J. P., & Ye, S. (2016). Positive education in Asia. The Asia - Pacific Education Researcher, 25(3), 361-365.

[4]. Waters, L. (2011). A review of school-based positive psychology interventions. The Australian Educational and Developmental Psychologist, 28(2), 75–90.

[5]. Chan, D. W. (2006). Emotional intelligence and components of burnout among Chinese secondary school teachers in Hong Kong. Teaching and teacher education, 22(8), 1042-1054.

[6]. Khine, M., & Areepattamannil, S. (2019). Steam education. Springer, 10, 978-3.

[7]. Compton, W. C. (2005). Introduction to Positive Psychology. Thomson Wadsworth.

[8]. Kwan, Y. W. (2020). Psychometric properties of a Chinese version of the constructivist learning environment survey among secondary school students in Hong Kong. Learning Environments Research, 23(2), 167–184.

[9]. Chen, C. W. J., & Lo, K. M. J. (2019). From teacher-designer to student-researcher: A study of attitude change regarding creativity in STEAM education using Makey as a platform for human-centered design instrument. Journal for STEM Education Research, 2, 75-91.

[10]. Brunzell, T., Stokes, H., & Waters, L. (2016). Trauma-informed positive education: Using positive psychology to strengthen vulnerable students. Contemporary School Psychology, 20(1), 63-83.