Human Strength-Spotting at School as the Future Foundation of “Us” in the Arctic

How to enhance the flourishing of children and youth who migrate to and live in the Arctic? How can their belief in their chances of finding well-being in future Arctic communities be reinforced? The purpose of this research was to discover ways of supporting the positive development and well-being of students by applying strength-based teaching. This qualitative research was carried out among sixth-graders (N = 14) of an Arctic Finnish school. Practice in the students’ areas of strength was conducted using special methods and activities during one school year. The research showed how multi-dimensional the effects of strength-based teaching can be: It seemed to benefit not only the students but the class as a community, parents, and the teacher. For the people living in the Arctic, well-being skills that are acquired through positive psychological knowledge of one’s strengths, including hope and optimism, are crucial.