On 28 November 2024, the EP Discipline Department organized a training and workshop for all EP foreign teachers on the topic of “Positive Psychology and Communication in Student Care”. The EP Discipline team was honored to invite a guest speaker whose expertise is aligned with counseling and mental health nursing.

The training and workshop aimed to enhance our teachers’ understanding of positive psychology in a classroom setting, and to equip us with skills to regain confidence and a positive attitude. This can this help us enable our students to adapt effectively to challenging situations and develop their ability to communicate clearly and accurately.

During the workshop, the guest speaker asked perceptive and practical questions like “what do teachers prioritize most in teaching?”. Is it building relationships with students, maintaining structure and discipline, encouraging creativity and expression, or instilling a growth mindset? The answers varied based on their approach to their daily teaching method inside the classroom. Another question was “who is responsible for handling bullying, resilience, and mental health?”. Should it be teachers, school administrators and counselors, parents, and families, or students themselves? By pondering those questions, the teachers were able to express their opinions constructively and show their utmost concern for their students’ welfare, especially the ones who are struggling in class.

At the end of the workshop, the speaker posted a discussion topic where the teachers should scan the QR to input their responses to the question: “what concrete steps can I take to foster a supportive and healthy learning environment for my students?”. There was a range of answers; some said “promote more independence and reward individuality” and others suggested “encourage optimism, focus on students’ strengths rather than weaknesses”. Another question that was asked was: “what one thing you want your students remember you for?”. Some of our top answers included: “my mustache”, “my stick of motivation” and “kindness and influence”. Everyone left full of optimism with some new wisdom to apply after the training and workshop.

The EP Discipline Department would like to thank Dr. Sarah Jane Racal from the Christian University of Thailand for being our guest speaker and all EP Foreign teachers who supported by participating in this project. May you all be blessed as you continue to inspire your students to become great.