Frame 1099

    Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry

    An introduction to Appreciative Inquiry (AI), its five principles, the 5-D Cycle and applications

    Author/ source: AI Commons

    Last updated: 01/05/2026

    View website
    Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry

    Appreciative Inquiry offers a values-aligned, practical framework for leading positive change in educational communities. It supports educators and leaders to:

    1. Build cultures grounded in strengths, hope and possibility

    2. Engage staff, students and families as co-creators of a shared vision

    3. Lead change conversations that energise rather than deplete

    4. Embed wellbeing and flourishing into the fabric of school improvement

    This four-part introductory pathway offers a clear and accessible entry point into Appreciative Inquiry (AI):  a strengths-based approach to change that aligns naturally with positive education principles. Rather than asking "what's wrong and how do we fix it?", AI invites communities to ask "what's working, what gives us life, and how do we build more of it?" -  a mindset shift that resonates strongly with educators committed to nurturing student and staff flourishing.

    The pages move from foundational concepts through to practical process and real-world application, making the resource useful for both those new to AI and those looking to deepen their practice.

    What's covered

    • Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry: Sets the foundation by unpacking the two words at the heart of the methodology: appreciate (recognising the best in people and what gives life to a system) and inquire (asking generative questions to discover new possibilities). Frames AI as a fundamental shift in perspective for leading change, moving from a deficit lens to one that surfaces strengths, possibilities and successes. Includes a short orientation video.

    • The 5 Classic Principles of AI: Explores the philosophical foundations developed by David Cooperrider and Suresh Srivastva: the Constructionist, Simultaneity, Poetic, Anticipatory and Positive Principles. These principles articulate why AI works, including the powerful idea that "words create worlds" and that "images inspire action" -  concepts that are particularly relevant for educators shaping the language and culture of their classrooms and schools.

    • The 5-D Cycle of Appreciative Inquiry: Introduces a practical, repeatable process model:  Define, Discover, Dream, Design and Deliver/Destiny,  that can be applied at any scale, from a one-on-one coaching conversation to whole-school transformation. For educators and leaders, this offers a clear methodology for engaging staff, students, families and communities in collaborative, future-focused change.

    • Applications of AI: Showcases how AI has been used around the world across schools, corporations, government agencies, non-profits and global initiatives. Examples include school systems such as Houston Independent School District, alongside organisations like the BBC, the US Navy, World Vision and the United Nations. Demonstrates the breadth of AI's impact and offers inspiration for educators considering its application in their own context.

    Related Resources

    Explore more resources >
    Creating a Wellbeing Environment: Positive Leadership Practices
    Article Key Concept
    Creating a Wellbeing Environment: Positive Leadership Practices
    “Authentic leaders are genuine in their intentions and understand the purpose of their leadership is to serve their community not their self-interest.” - Daniel Goleman Author: PESA with contributions from Kerrin Smith.
    Access Resource
    Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry
    Website
    Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry
    An introduction to Appreciative Inquiry (AI), its five principles, the 5-D Cycle and applications Author/ source: AI Commons
    Access Resource
    Building a shared responsibility for teacher wellbeing
    Webinar/Video Online PD 2026
    Building a shared responsibility for teacher wellbeing
    Presented by Justin Robinson: Director and Co-founder of The Wellbeing Distillery. Cultivating a culture where teacher wellbeing thrives through shared care and collective action.
    Access Resource
    Staff Wellbeing Idea Bank
    Download
    Staff Wellbeing Idea Bank
    200 actionable items organised by risk factor, cost, and impact. This list was developed from focus groups run by The Wellbeing Distillery across 25 schools, offering tested strategies you can adapt to your context. Thank you to The Wellbeing Distillery for sharing with the PESA community.
    Access Resource
    Sentiments From Educators: What’s Worked Well for Teacher Wellbeing
    Download
    Sentiments From Educators: What’s Worked Well for Teacher Wellbeing
    A list of real sentiments from educators highlighting what’s worked well and ideas to assist in improving the wellbeing of educators. Use this as ideas for your own workplace or to guide workshops in your own context. Responses are themed and summarised to provide a focus and implementation ideas and why it matters. Author/ source: The Wellbeing Distillery
    Access Resource
    Creating a Wellbeing Environment: Positive Leadership Practices
    Creating a Wellbeing Environment: Positive Leadership Practices
    “Authentic leaders are genuine in their intentions and understand the purpose of their leadership is to serve their community not their self-interest.” - Daniel Goleman Author: PESA with contributions from Kerrin Smith.
    Article Key Concept
    Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry
    Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry
    An introduction to Appreciative Inquiry (AI), its five principles, the 5-D Cycle and applications Author/ source: AI Commons
    Website
    Building a shared responsibility for teacher wellbeing
    Building a shared responsibility for teacher wellbeing
    Presented by Justin Robinson: Director and Co-founder of The Wellbeing Distillery. Cultivating a culture where teacher wellbeing thrives through shared care and collective action.
    Webinar/Video Online PD 2026
    Staff Wellbeing Idea Bank
    Staff Wellbeing Idea Bank
    200 actionable items organised by risk factor, cost, and impact. This list was developed from focus groups run by The Wellbeing Distillery across 25 schools, offering tested strategies you can adapt to your context. Thank you to The Wellbeing Distillery for sharing with the PESA community.
    Download
    Sentiments From Educators: What’s Worked Well for Teacher Wellbeing
    Sentiments From Educators: What’s Worked Well for Teacher Wellbeing
    A list of real sentiments from educators highlighting what’s worked well and ideas to assist in improving the wellbeing of educators. Use this as ideas for your own workplace or to guide workshops in your own context. Responses are themed and summarised to provide a focus and implementation ideas and why it matters. Author/ source: The Wellbeing Distillery
    Download
    Explore more resources >