Professional Experience and Strengths Vision Film (June 2024)

The "Flex your PEx" project, led by Professor Narelle Lemon and a team of educators at Edith Cowan University including Bev Adkin, Gail Berman, Rozita Dass, Tammy Green, Marnie Harris, Rikki James, and Carli Sanbrook, aims to transform professional experience (PEx) in teacher education through a strengths-based approach. This innovative initiative seeks to enhance pre-service teachers' preparation by integrating character strengths into their coursework and practical experiences. The project stems from the recognition that PEx, while vital, can often be stressful for pre-service teachers. By shifting from a deficit-focused approach to one that emphasizes individual strengths, the project aims to foster resilience, self-awareness, and professional growth among future educators. The team's objectives include improving PEx through reflective practice and wellbeing literacy, developing a positive mindset towards teaching challenges, and creating novel pedagogical approaches in initial teacher education. Using qualitative research methods, the team will explore how this strengths-based pedagogy impacts pre-service teachers' development and readiness for their careers. This project aligns with strategic priorities in teacher education and wellbeing, aspiring to lead the sector in supporting and empowering future educators during their critical formative experiences.