In a successful strength observation, you will ask questions, expect unconventional answers, and learn about the students’ worlds. Searching for strengths in your students might seem intuitive, but it’s not. Since most of us educators were trained to identify students’ deficits, we have to actively work to identify their strengths. Pay attention to the following:
- Does the student work better independently or in a group?
- When does the student show excitement, boredom, more energy or less energy, frustration, or sustained focus?
- How easily do they initiate tasks, shift between tasks, and stay on task?
- Are they inspiring or motivating others?
- Are they creative in how they approach a given task?
- Do they leverage resources or social capital in a meaningful way?
- What was challenging for the student?
- What seemed easy for the student?
- What patterns did you notice throughout the observation?
After the observation, review your findings with the student.