What Teachers Teach Us About Teaching Appreciative Inquiry

What Teachers Teach Us About Teaching Appreciative Inquiry

February 2026
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ABSTRACT

The most powerful way to pass on Appreciative Inquiry is to practise it while teaching it. This case shows that even in an assessment-driven educational context, Appreciative Inquiry can be passed on by trusting experiential learning, normalising struggle, and aligning inquiry with learners’ realities. The enduring impact appeared after the process ended: lecturers kept reflecting, writing appreciatively, and learning. The inquiry had truly become theirs.

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Author: Rosa Helmantel

Rosa Helmantel has a background in educational sciences and works as a consultant, researcher, and (team) coach at Kessels & Smit, The Learning Company. Her work is grounded in positive psychology and an appreciative perspective, with a strong focus on connecting stakeholders and facilitating energising dialogues around complex learning and organisational challenges.

Contact: rhelmantel@kessels-smit.com

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Author: Niels Heetvelt

Niels Heetvelt works at Kessels & Smit, The Learning Company, as an “organisational journalist”. He moves within and across organisations to put personal stories in the spotlight, strengthening learning and connecting perspectives. Niels participated in last year’s Appreciative Inquiry Learning Network.

Contact: nheetvelt@kessels-smit.com

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