Folks,
Welcome back to our weekly discussion. This week we will be discussing on the importance of Social Emotional Learning in our schools. This reading is suggested by Mr. Sehnert.
Topic: The Future of Education Depends on Social Emotional Learning: Here’s Why
And you should locate the article from here! Click ME
FYI: Each of you will make a comment and/or reply to a comment. We always prefer if you could relate Peer Power classroom experience with what you read in this blog post.
Thanks
Hasan
Reading through the article clicked the fact that the SEL learning style feels exactly like what we implement with our students. we support our students and assist their learning because we want them to be somebody and the SEL method works towards that goal. I enjoyed that the article gave information on the negative side of not using the SEL methods as well, such as hire unemployment and divorce rates. That really shows how different teaching methods can have wide effects in the long run.
ReplyDelete"Combining these skills with academic development creates high-quality learning experiences and environments that empower students to be more effective contributors in their classrooms today and in their workplaces and communities tomorrow." The true measure of success for an educator or any influencer of young minds does not rest in proficient or basic test scores. Granted, academics is important, but there is more to our students than their brains. Every adult within the educational system has, knowingly or unknowingly, accepted the call to mold fully functioning human beings, no matter where they start. It's truly heartbreaking to think about the thousands of broken students who get passed through the system because of the heavy focus on standardized tests. My heart and passion for education is for them. It's wonderful to know that there are others besides Peerpower who are advocates for the success of fully functioning human beings. Though the precentages for the implementation of SEL aren't very high, it is encouraging that the discussion is on the table. I salute the principals and teachers who have integrated SEL skills into academic lessons. As cliche as it sounds, a student does not care to know what you know until s/he knows that you care. It's my hope that this remains a topic of conversation in the realm of education and that we continue to strive to be intentional in teaching, securing, and molding young people until the city of Memphis takes notice. Every day we spend in the classroom is a great opportunity to have a real impact on the next generation; it is important that we recognize it as a responsibility and an amazing gift! See your students. Be aware of their social and emotional deficiencies and help where you can. This doesn't make us weak; it's, perhaps, our greatest strength as an organization. This article and discussion should motivate each of us to continue to build relationships. Hopefully, each of us has a personal testimony of the effects of relationships, but there is no mistake in the research of educational theorists. Relational learning is real; it's much more than opening up a book. Just like us, our students learn best through human connection. We're not programming robots; we are in the business to "produce more socially responsible citizens who are better prepared to work together to build communities, nations and, ultimately, a better world."
ReplyDeleteThe importance of building social skills is more important than cognitive skills, the saying "it's not what you know, it's who you know," actually points to the importance of social skills. This comes easier for the "extra"-verts, who make many surface connections, but introverts are known for making fewer, but deeper connections. It is these deep connections that can have a profound effect on those who are the most in need of SEL.
ReplyDeleteEveryone's favorite example of the troubled young lady who, surprising to all, took an almost possessive attachment to me is a classic example. I am sure most of you know I'm an introvert. I can put up a facade for limited bouts when required, but in general I'm slow to interact and prefer small groups to crowds. The beauty of this program is that we need both types. We need the extroverts to work the crowd and the introverts to find those holding up the wall and at first just sit with them until they are ready. My introversion allowed me to build the relationship with the student to a level of trusted mentor. That and being stubborn enough to ignore things that should have had me running away, and instead trying to introduce socially appropriate responses to negative behaviors.
I feel like SEL can be very beneficial in the classroom for the students. SEL could help with the "development of the while child"- students could learn social and emotional skills that would help them perform better in the classroom. As far as social skills go, students would be able to exchange ideas or beliefs with respect for one another if they learn and practice open-mindedness. Students could potentially work better in group settings and would be able to ask for their peers' help more or even assist their peers more openly. If SEL is more supported as a program, there could be a drastic shift from solely focusing on academics to putting a lens on the students as individuals- there is more to life than just academic success. Not to say that we should diminish academics- instead- we should allow our students to become socially and emotionally equipped as citizens of a functioning society, regardless of their age, background, and any other circumstances. Doing so could help our students understand more about themselves, and place more values into learning.
ReplyDelete'School is the only place where any deficiencies in these abilities can be addressed before they become active members of society.' This is a jarring truth that stood out to me as I read the article. I have had many experiences where have students have shown that they don't control their emotions well or they aren't conscientious about their actions. Often times, I look over it because they're young and a lack of maturity is expected. However, I know that they will continue in these actions as long as they aren't corrected. As a live model for my scholars, I feel it's my duty to point out their problematic behavior in a constructive way. It's no secret that our scholar's parents can't always give them the attention they need, so parents may not see the behaviors, or they may not care. School is the only place where they are heard and seen sometimes. If school is supposed to prepare you for the work place, it should also be a place where the students learn workplace etiquette and how to be successful in controlling their emotions. As SC the care and relationships that we have with our students should allow us to step in and shape our students to be somebody, someday.
ReplyDeleteI think it is important when in the classroom to remember that what we are teaching the scholars and what we are modeling for them isn't something that we want to end in the classroom. We want the scholars to continue to model active learning, and other core life abilities through social and emotional learning. So when discussing the why SEL is important it is best to remember , as the article put it,that we want to not just get students through school but "produce more socially responsible citizens who are better prepared to work together to build communities, nations and, ultimately, a better world".
ReplyDelete