Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in the classroom

Using SEL to help manage the classroom

Even when teachers set clear classroom expectations, build routines and procedures, it is always important to remember to expect the unexpected. In managing the learning environment, teachers must be prepared with a variety of strategies and interventions for behavior management in response to disruptions in the classrooms. Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which all young people acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zXZNVQiGb4

Demonstration of SEL in use.

Four of us worked on a role-play to demonstrate the use of SEL in both the physical and virtual classrooms.

Case-studies used

CASE STUDY ONE- PHYSICAL CLASSROOM

Mrs. Levitt had a great deal of trouble with a first grader named Kevin. Kevin was a very angry child from a broken home. Kevin lived with his mom and younger brother. His parents were divorced, and he was raised by his mother who was totally not supportive with the teachers in dealing with behavioral issues. Kevin had several behavioral challenges in class. His teacher Mrs. Levitt reported that Kevin frequently had difficulty following directions and would sometimes throw a tantrum when he did not “get his way.” He also had problems getting along with his peers. did not like to “wait for his turn” or “stand in line” with his class. At least five times a day, Kevin would lose his temper if he didn't get his way. On these occasions, he would yell and scream at anyone who frustrated him. He repeatedly defied his teacher and refused to follow her instructions. His temper kept the class on edge throughout the entire day.

Response: Mrs. Levitt had done her best to handle Kevin. In accordance with her discipline plan, she kept Kevin after school and had called Kevin's mother at home but was unable to reach her because the mother worked. Mrs. Levitt also sent Kevin to the principal. When Kevin behaved well, Mrs. Levitt let him have some special privilege that he liked.

Following the social and emotional learning aspect, we discussed strategies to motivate the student to develop self-awareness and also focus on ways to develop intrinsic motivation. social and emotional learning (SEL) as an integral part of education and human development. Our focus was to implement strategies that will help Students to Social emotional learning can be established through authentic school- family and community connections. For the first case study, we focused on mindfulness techniques for anger management. To teach students the need for self-reflection and self awareness, we also discussed the need for a thinking spot or calming station in the classroom. A positive reward system can be used in the class to motivate students to participate in class activities and show an effort to manage their behavior. In the first case we discussed, parental involvement is a crucial factor. Having a positive connection with students and their families, can help contribute to safe and healthy communities.

CASE STUDY 2: (VIRTUAL CLASSROOM)

Mr. Shuster had one difficult student in his fifth grade class. Jackie was a poorly motivated child with low score. She rarely completed assignments, although she was able to do the work assigned. Although she did not interfere with students in virtual class. Often times she would leave the virtual class and not return. On the rare occasion that she stayed for the whole class, she often appeared as idle or would not answer any questions when called upon. Typically when all the students had left the class, Jackie’s name would still be listed and Mr. Shuster would manually have to remove her from the virtual classroom.

For this case, we discussed strategies to develop motivation. Encouraging positive self-talk and promote a growth mindset among students is the key to developing self-motivation. Some students exhibit a passive approach to learning due to boredom. To solve these issues, challenge students to beat their own record in a certain task or use adaptive learning platforms. Parental involvement and adult supervision are crucial in a virtual classroom setting. Assigning leadership roles and having a positive reinforcement system in place are all major contributors in motivating young minds. We also discussed the need for implementing games and other engaging classroom activities to promote class participation among students.

Various research has shown that not only do SEL framework help students improve their mental and physical health, but they also significantly reduce problem behaviors. In conclusion, Social emotional learning starts from oneself, and should be an integral part of education from pre-school to higher secondary.