ResiliencyResiliencyFostering Resiliency as Educators

Joseph A. Johnson

Rory W. Hughes

ResiliencyResiliency

Resilience is essentially defined by a class of phenomena characterized by patterns of positive adaptation in the context of significant adversity or risk ( Masten, Reed 2003).

Resilient individuals can be characterized by the developmental tasks they acquire and demonstrate in the face of risk or adversity

ResilienceResilience

Stories of heroic survival often include “exceptional” or “extraordinary” talents

As resilience pertains to our discussion, it can refer to those who function in a normative range but have overcome “extraordinary” obstacles

Risk and Risk FactorsRisk and Risk Factors

Risk factors are what is known as situation or circumstances which predict negative future outcomes on specific outcome criterion ( Masten, Reed 2003 ).

Risk factors include– Poverty– Teenage motherhood– Loss of parent(s), illness– Divorce, maltreatment

Protective FactorsProtective Factors

Protective Factors which help to bolster resiliency in students include:

IndividualRelationshipsCommunityCultural

Common denominators of Common denominators of resilient adolescentsresilient adolescents

Primary factors in resilient adolescents include: (1) social competence, seeking help and positive

response from adults (2) problem solving skills and confidence in one’s

ability (3) autonomy (4) and a sense of purpose and belief in the future

( Patterson, J.H. 2001 ).

Promoting Resilience in Promoting Resilience in School ClimateSchool Climate

School environment and support system is paramount to fostering resiliency ( Krovetz 2003 )

High expectations and appropriate infrastructure– Tutoring centers– Extended teacher availability

MotivationMotivation

Prosocial development, the ability to make friends and be well received socially, is of primary importance (Wentzel, 1994).

Considering Maslow’s pyramid, social needs precedes self esteem and self-actualization

amount of time students spent on their homework (effort) depended on the degree to which they endorsed socially responsible goals ( Convington, 2000).

Self-efficacySelf-efficacy

Self efficacy is instrumental in the individual category of resiliency

Four factors contribute to self efficacy– task performance– vicarious experience– verbal persuasion – physiological state ( Omrod, 2003 ).

Strategies for Improving Self Strategies for Improving Self EfficacyEfficacy

Types of task; assigning tasks that can be completed and improve confidence build momentum vs. “challenging”

Choice creates engagement, when missing leads to resistance ( Allington&Johnson2001 )

Modeling and Verbal persuasion ( Margolis 2006)