Winning the H Factor

Reviews / Votes

'You would expect something exceptional from these three practitioners and the book doesn't disappoint. You won't be able to put it down. It will make you smile, and more importantly, it will make your school smile too and increase the likelihood of countless pupils having happier and more fulfilled lives. Buy this for your staff library and read it yourself during the school holiday. If you do I guarantee you'll enjoy next term better and your school will be a happier place. And when you read this, you'll be convinced there could be no more worthwhile goal than this.' Tim Brighouse, Commissioner for London Schools and visiting Professor at the Institute of Education at London University, UK "A brave and timely book. Brave because it enters territory that historically we have tended to avoid... Timely because more than ever before there is a growing consensus that happiness and well-being are the issues that educators and all those concerned with children's services should be focussing on. This book models its message - it is affirmative, optimistic and focused on change and growth." John West-Burnham, writer, teacher and consultant in education leadership, and Professor of Educational Leadership at St Mary's University College, Twickenham, UK 'The H Factor is a seriously important book; it is so well researched, so current and the perfect antidote for the climate we see so often envelop us and the children we work with. It was Barack Obama who resurrected that powerful four letter word; HOPE. Alistair, John and Joanna have skilfully provided us with a route to ensure that our schools and most importantly our children can do more than hope for happier times!' Richard Gerver 'This book offers a range of realistic suggestions which will support the reader as they work to achieve greater effectiveness personally, in their classrooms or in their schools... The organisation and layout of the book is clear, with a succinct summary of the book's main points and suggestions for how to use it... Winning the H factor clearly presents the benefits of happy staff and students and the link between well-being and good learning outcomes... Further resources in the form of books and websites to follow up ideas and suggestions are included. Whilst the book is primarily aimed at those who work with children and young people in schools, particularly teachers and school leaders, others who work with young people in educational or social settings may also find it of interest.' 'Although much of the book is given over to raise pupil morale and to improve their levels of enjoyment, the authors do (and refreshingly so) address the issue of making staff happy. ... This is an easy to read and well-balanced view of today's schools and of proven ways to promote a happy environment.' Brian A S Patterson, Matters Arising (The Independent Magazine for Governors) "Smith, an author, developer, and trainer, Jones, and Reid, a secondary teacher, explain how positivity leads to successful outcomes in schools, rather than being a result of them. They propose a happiness model, discuss theories of happiness, and detail techniques for making classrooms, schools, and individuals happier. They also examine the importance of social networks, the relationship of affluence to happiness, how childhood today is different, the benefits of happiness and what research reveals, and the importance of positive relationships and classroom climate." -Eithne O'Leyne, BOOK NEWS, Inc.