Advisory is the main delivery system for counseling content and standards at BU. There are many lessons that target student personal growth and are backed by research. I want students to be exposed to numerous different theories and ideas so that they can learn about themselves and grow as humans.
TED Talks have been a great way to introduce some powerful topics and research:
Brené Brown - The power of vulnerability
Christina Costa - How gratitude rewires your brain
Susan Cain - The power of introverts
Carol Dweck - Growth Mindset
Angela Duckworth - Grit: The power of passion and perseverance
Adam Grant - The surprising habit of original thinkers
Phil Hansen - Embrace the shake
Kelly McGonigal - How to make stress your friend
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - The danger of a single story
Sir Ken Robinson - How schools kill creativity + Bring on the learning revolution!
Wendy Suzuki - Anxiety as a superpower + The brain changing benefits of exercise
Julian Treasure - How to speak so that people will listen
Manoush Zomorodi - How boredom can lead to your most brilliant ideas
There are also lessons where students learn about:
Urie Bronfenbrenner - Ecological Systems Theory
Howard Gardner - Multiple Intelligences
Nan Henderson - Resiliency
John Holland - Holland Codes
Writing as a tool for reflection and learning
Students keep a journal throughout the year which is used to reflect on what they are learning and how it applies to themselves.