Waterfront Learning
Social Emotional Learning in Virtual Environments
During the recent Waterfront Learning Liaison Meeting, we were fortunate to have professional development provided by Dr. Leanna Lawson, Program Director of Training & Consultation at the AIU. Dr. Lawson addressed the importance of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in Virtual Environments. She reviewed important research and information from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL).
Dr. Lawson shared that, according to CASEL, “SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.” CASEL encourages a systematic approach to SEL so that it is worked into all student educational experiences, including the virtual environment.
Dr. Lawson shared the following examples of SEL in a Virtual Environment:
- Get to know and understand student needs
- Find opportunities to build relationships and connections
- Know what makes them tick
- Know what strategies help them engage in learning
- Communicate with students’ families
- Make space for student needs
- Provide instruction and time for reflection
- Explicit instruction
- Check-ins (group or individual)
- Promote mindfulness
- Self-reflection activities
- Time for engagement with other students
Resources:
Articles:
Today’s One Thing for Teachers: Social-Emotional Learning in a Virtual Setting -