PERMA - Engagement

This term in PERMA we are focusing on ‘engagement’. The Positive Schools Group has been exploring some of the key terms linked to the concept of engagement such as flow, curiosity and interest, creativity, passion and motivation. Recently, the group surveyed staff and discovered that they perceived flow as the key to engagement. Csikszentmihalyi (1997) defines flow as an optimal state of concentration on task, which is intrinsically motivating. Time awareness shifts, the individual feels in control and awareness and activity seems to blend. An individual who experiences flow is motivated to return to this rewarding experience.

Flow often occurs in activities that are voluntary and enjoyable. In a school environment, students can experience flow when a task requires skills that are somewhat challenging and has clear goals geared towards success. A student should feel they have control and receive feedback with room to grow. Interestingly, a flow state is characterised by the absence of emotions – a complete loss of self-consciousness. However, the flow activity may be described as enjoyable and even exhilarating.

Staff will continue to support students to help them engage and develop positive traits such as high concentration, high self-esteem and even better health.