Introduction

To elevate educational standards and cultivate a nurturing academic environment, Metro PABSON Kathmandu, in collaboration with the Eastern Research Institute of Positive Science (ERIPS), organized the “Empowering Principals: Appreciative Inquiry Summit for Positive Education and Inspirational Leadership.” Held at the Royal Villa in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, this summit brought together 60 principals from PABSON Metro for an intensive learning experience facilitated by Dr. RC Lamichhane, a renowned Appreciative Inquiry expert in Asia. The summit aimed to equip school leaders with innovative tools and methodologies to enhance their leadership capabilities, promote positive education and create a vibrant and emotionally intelligent school culture.

Objectives of the Summit

The summit was meticulously designed to achieve the following objectives:

1. Introduce Appreciative Inquiry (AI): To familiarize principals with AI and its significance in fostering a positive academic environment.
2. Enhance Academic Leadership: To discuss strategies for improving academic leadership through AI and positive psychology.
3. Promote Positive Education: To highlight the value of positive education and its role in the holistic development of students.
4. Develop Emotional Intelligence: To emphasize the importance of emotional intelligence in creating a joyful and productive school environment.
5. Innovative Educational Centers: To explore ways to transform schools into innovative educational centers contributing to a knowledge-based economy.

Role of Appreciative Inquiry in Education

Dr. RC Lamichhane commenced the summit with an in-depth presentation on Appreciative Inquiry (AI), a strengths-based approach to organizational development that focuses on identifying and amplifying what works well within an institution. AI encourages collaborative dialogue and collective action, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Fostering a Positive Academic Environment

AI helps in creating a supportive and positive academic environment by shifting the focus from problems to potential. By engaging all stakeholders—students, teachers, parents, and administrators—in the AI process, schools can uncover and build upon their existing strengths, leading to a more harmonious and productive learning atmosphere.

Enhancing Academic Leadership

Effective academic leadership is crucial for the success of any educational institution. AI provides school principals with the tools to lead with a positive mindset, encouraging a culture of appreciation and recognition. This approach not only boosts morale but also inspires teachers and students to strive for excellence.

The Importance of Positive Psychology

Positive psychology, an emerging discipline, emphasizes the study and promotion of positive aspects of human experience, such as happiness, well-being, and fulfillment. Dr. Lamichhane highlighted several key points:

 

Positive Education

Positive education integrates the principles of positive psychology into the educational system, aiming to develop students’ cognitive and emotional skills. It focuses on enhancing well-being, fostering resilience, and nurturing a growth mindset among students.

Contribution to Academic Success

Research has shown that students who experience positive emotions and a supportive learning environment perform better academically. Positive psychology techniques, such as gratitude exercises and strengths-based learning, can significantly improve students’ motivation and academic outcomes.

Emotional Intelligence in Schools

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. Dr. Lamichhane discussed the pivotal role of EI in the educational context:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRkdtFrdyHU

Creating a Happy and Joyful Environment

Schools that prioritize emotional intelligence foster a more inclusive and supportive environment. Principals who model and teach EI skills can help create a school culture where students and staff feel valued and respected.

the Quality of Education

Emotional intelligence skills, such as empathy, self-regulation, and social awareness, are essential for effective teaching and learning. By integrating EI into the curriculum and school culture, educators can better address students’ emotional needs, leading to improved academic performance and overall well-being.

Transforming Schools into Innovative Educational Centers

One of the summit’s key goals was to explore strategies for transforming schools into innovative educational centers. These centers aim to:

Foster a Knowledge-Based Economy

Schools play a crucial role in preparing students for the future by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. By fostering innovation and creativity, schools can contribute to the development of a knowledge-based economy.

 

Lifelong Learning

Innovative educational centers promote a culture of lifelong learning, encouraging students to continuously seek knowledge and develop new skills. This mindset is essential for personal and professional growth in the 21st century.

Collaborative Efforts for Positive Change

The success of the Appreciative Inquiry Summit was a testament to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including ERIPS, PABSON, and school principals. This partnership exemplifies the power of collective action in driving positive change within the educational sector.

Eastern Research Institute of Positive Science (ERIPS)

ERIPS has been at the forefront of promoting positive science and appreciative inquiry in educational institutions. Through its training and facilitation programs, ERIPS has empowered countless educators and leaders to adopt a strengths-based approach to development.

Dr. RC Lamichhane

As an expert in Appreciative Inquiry, Dr. Lamichhane has been instrumental in spreading the principles of AI across Asia. His expertise and passion for positive education have inspired many school leaders to embrace a new paradigm of leadership.

PABSON and School Principals

PABSON, as an association of private schools, plays a critical role in fostering collaboration and sharing best practices among its members. The principals who participated in the summit are the driving force behind implementing the insights and strategies gained during the event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Participants’ Views about Summit

Dr. Surendra Sitaula, Senior Participant and Founder Principal of Bagati Boarding School

“Dr. Lamichhane’s in-depth presentation on Appreciative Inquiry and positive education was truly enlightening. The summit has equipped me with invaluable insights and practical strategies to foster a positive academic environment in my school.”

Ms. Mohana Mothey Khanal, Principal and Participant

“This summit was a lifetime learning experience for me. I have never participated in such a mind-blowing program before. The knowledge and skills I gained here will significantly impact my approach to leadership and education.”

Mr. Tej Prakash Shrestha, Participant

“I had a pleasant experience throughout the summit. The discussions and activities were incredibly engaging and insightful. I feel more empowered to lead my school towards a positive and innovative future.”

Conclusion

The “Empowering Principals: Appreciative Inquiry Summit for Positive Education and Inspirational Leadership” was a resounding success, providing school leaders with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to drive positive change within their institutions. By embracing Appreciative Inquiry, positive psychology, and emotional intelligence, principals can create a nurturing and innovative educational environment that promotes the holistic development of students.

The collaborative efforts of ERIPS, Dr. RC Lamichhane, and PABSON have paved the way for a transformative approach to education, one that emphasizes the strengths and potential of every individual. As schools continue to evolve and adapt to the changing global context, the principles and practices discussed during the summit will serve as a guiding light, helping to build a brighter and more prosperous future for all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRkdtFrdyHU. -Emotional Intelligence