Teaching practices that are conducive to supporting the positive emotional well-being of learners in post-compulsory education

ABSTRACT Emotional well-being of learners in post-compulsory education is a growing concern for educators. It is well documented that there has been a continued increase in mental health difficulties amongst young people over the last decade. In an attempt to be part of the solution to this growing concern, this study explores the theories of positive psychology and PERMA (Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishment) and the implementation of this theory within teaching practices in post-compulsory education. The aim was to be able to evaluate the impact of teaching practices that had the potential to have a positive impact on the emotional well-being of learners within this sector. This study took place in a large further education college with eight participant teachers across a range of subjects and their first-year learners. The data was collected through online questionnaires, group interviews, and classroom observations. Findings revealed which teaching practices were most conducive to supporting the positive emotional well-being of learners.