Category: Education

Video: 3 Strengths-Based Instructional Strategies for Students Facing Adversity

Students facing adversity bring strengths, experiences, interests, and capacities that can serve as important resources for learning. A strengths-based approach helps educators recognize and build from these assets while creating the conditions students need to engage and succeed.

This short video includes three strengths-based instructional strategies that educators can use to support students facing adversity. Each strategy focuses on what students bring to the learning environment and how we can draw from those strengths in our instructional practice.

For additional strengths-based practices, explore Elevating Strengths: Supporting Multilingual Learners Facing Adversity and Supporting Multilingual Learners During the First Weeks of School.

Originally published June 25, 2019; substantially updated August 27, 2026.

← Back to Publications & Resources

How can classroom walls be used most effectively?

Classroom walls are more than decoration. Thoughtfully designed learning environments can strengthen students’ sense of belonging, support independence, communicate shared values, and help students focus on learning. Classroom walls can play a vital role in helping students maximize their productivity, motivation, and focus. As you design the space you will …

Using a Strengths-Based Approach: Supporting Multilingual Learners Living with Trauma, Violence and Chronic Stress

This article explores a strengths-based approach for supporting multilingual learners experiencing adversity by building on students’ strengths, relationships, agency, belonging, and participation in learning.