Lesson 1: What is a deficit vs strengths-based approach to teaching?

Current Research

By doing a quick Google search, a multitude of choices come up when typing in "strengths-based teaching." According to a definition by Saint Louis University, a strengths-based approach to teaching "is a learner-centered approach to teaching that helps students identify, articulate and apply individual skills relevant to their learning needs. Based on research from social work, positive psychology and business, a strengths-based approach can help build student confidence, encourage efficacious behaviors, and support life-long learning pursuits" (SLU, 2023). On the other hand, a deficit-based approach to teaching involves identifying students' needs, weaknesses, and problems. In strengths-based teaching, students' needs are still addressed, but they are addressed by capitalizing on the students' strengths. This concept can be applied to individual instruction, group instruction, or an entire school culture.

In other words, a deficit approach to teaching involves not taking action to fix problems at hand or use what you have. A strengths-based approach, rather, lies on the foundation that participants assess what they have, and then make the best of it! A good analogy to use here is the "glass half empty" versus "glass half full" saying.

Your Teaching Style

Read the article by Saint Louis University about the five principles of strengths-based teaching. Then, write a reflection about what you think your own instruction tends to look like- deficit-based or strengths-based.

• 📖 Article: https://www.slu.edu/cttl/resources/resource-guides/strengths-based-education.pdf
• ✏️ Reflection: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-Q9rmJK3Xu924ERSquNWjo08VasX-pHT93Jilo9vgnfFgpA/viewform?usp=sf_link

So, why should rural STEM teachers take a strengths-based approach to teaching? Follow along to find out the benefits of doing so in Lesson 2: Benefits of Using a Strengths-Based Approach.