Insights from Today’s Session
By Claire Laniol, France
Today, we had the pleasure of attending an enlightening session on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) teaching by Celine Mudahakana. The experience provided invaluable insights into how SEL can transform the classroom environment, making it a more comfortable and supportive space for students.
Celine started with a “Do-Now” activity in order to illustrate how simple activities can create a safe environment for us all, merely by greeting people in their native language and get to know a bit more about their background or feelings. It enables the students to realize that they can teach something to their educator and it empowers them with confidence. It also makes the pupils get to know their peers which is the first step to empathy.
One of the most profound takeaways from the session was how SEL fosters a classroom environment where students feel safe, respected, and valued. When students are comfortable, they are more likely to participate, engage, and take academic risks. Thus, it enhances student ability socially and academically. It also helps to reduce emotional stress.
The SEL teaching is based on 5 important elements: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, social-awareness and relationship skills.
The session also introduced several tools and strategies that can be seamlessly embedded into daily teaching practices to promote SEL such as the Paper Toss or Snow Ball activities which help arising self-awareness.
I realized that fostering a supportive and empathetic classroom environment can significantly enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. This approach not only supports students’ overall well-being but also creates a more inclusive and effective learning atmosphere.
I want to address my deepest gratitude to Celine Mudahakana for that wonderful presentation which will certainly impact our teaching.
To finish, today’s highlight: Amherst Bulletin.
We had the opportunity to discover the Amherst Bulletin.
Like in many other countries, local newspapers are vanishing. It was interesting to have a look at local news with a special distinction to the Police reports.
All opinions expressed by the program participants are their own and do not represent nor reflect official views from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, or of the Institute for Training and Development, Inc.
