Character strengths in higher education: Introducing a Strengths-Based Future Guidance (SBFG) model based on an educational design research in two northern Finnish universities

The purpose of this research project was to pilot strengths-based guidance in higher education and construct a research-based model to be applied in higher education settings. The research question set for this study was as follows: How can strengths-based guidance be developed and implemented in higher education? This research followed the model of educational design research (EDR). In this article, we report the overall progress of EDR and the pilot models (n=14) developed by 20 teachers and counselors. Based on the findings, a strengths-based future guidance (SBFG) model for higher education was developed. It is based on the profound understanding, recognition, and use of strengths so that the student can analyze and make future-oriented choices.