Expanding SEL from Coursera

Social and emotional learning, or SEL, programs have flourished in schools during the last decade. In this course the instructors (Emily Price and Ben Kirshner) introduce and help you examine community based and youth-empowerment approaches to social and emotional learning. Some of these approaches address the impact of social and political systems, such as immigration and structural racism, on children’s social and emotional experiences.

This course is a part of the 5-course Specialization “The Teacher and Social Emotional Learning (SEL)”. Interested in earning 3 university credits from the University of Colorado-Boulder for this specialization? If so check out "How you can earn 3 university credits from the University of Colorado-Boulder for this specialization" reading in the first module of this course for additional information.

We want to note that the courses in this Specialization were designed with a three-credit university course load in mind. As a participant you may notice a bit more reading content and a little less video/lecture content. Completing and passing the SEL Specialization allows the participant to apply for 3 graduate credits toward teacher re-certification and professional enhancement. We want to ensure the quality and high standards of a University of Colorado learning experience.

Interested in earning 3 graduate credits from the University of Colorado-Boulder for The Teacher and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialization? Check out "How you can earn 3 university credits from the University of Colorado-Boulder for this specialization" reading in the first week of this course for more information.

What's inside

Syllabus

Behavior Management and SEL

In this module we introduce three tensions within SEL, the first of which is the potential use of SEL as a means of managing student behavior. We investigate how behavior management strategies can lead to emotional manipulation, as well as how students of color are disproportionately impacted by these policies. Knowing that SEL programs are often adopted with the aim of improving classroom management and reducing problem behaviors, we explore how this can instead be approached through humanizing structures of management that promote student agency.

Culture, Context, and SEL

In this module we take up a second tension within SEL programming, the relative inattention to issues of culture and context in determining what SEL skills to promote. In situating SEL within larger cultural and structural contexts, we examine the need to consider issues of race, class, gender, sexuality, and culture in developing approaches to SEL.

Examining "Success": Goals, Measurement, and Outcomes in SEL

In this module, we consider a third tension in SEL programming - what success looks like, and how we measure it. We examine the different ways student outcomes have been measured, as well as the issues surrounding the assessment of soft skills such as social and emotional development.

Moving Forward: A Critical Examination of the Self Competencies

In this module we move from articulating tensions within SEL to exploring ways forward. In this module, we focus on the two self-oriented competencies, self-awareness and self-management. In looking at more equity-oriented means of approaching self-awareness and self-management, we look at two examples in particular - mindfulness and testimonials.

Moving Forward: A Critical Examination of the Social Competencies

In this module we continue our focus on equity-oriented ways of approaching SEL with a focus on the socially oriented competencies, social awareness and relationship building. In particular, we examine how critical witnessing and youth participatory action research (YPAR) can enhance traditional approaches to SEL.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a uniquely interdisciplinary approach to social and emotional learning

Offers university course credit, which can be utilized for teacher re-certification and professional enhancement

Examines the impact of social and political systems on children's social and emotional experiences, acknowledging the importance of addressing these factors in SEL

May be suitable for students with a background in education or related fields

Reviews summary

Highly engaging course on sel expansion

Learners say this is an engaging and valuable course on SEL that is well received by teachers. Reviews mention how the program provides eye-opening content and can increase teaching skills and styles. The course is timely and sheds light on ways to support diversity in the classroom.

Some mentioned the course increased their skills.

"this was a great course that...valued my time and expertise as a veteran teacher. I found that my teaching style was not only validated, but also increased with new ideas that I could use when school starts this fall."

A few mentioned how the course related to current events.

"At the time I was taking this course, there were major social issues erupting in our country. This course reminded me how the education system was designed, by whom and for whom."

Lots of positive feedback.

"This is excellent. Challenging, inspiring and so relevant."

"Not so easy as I think, thank you for this amazing learning experience."

"I love studying and learning more about SEL as teacher help me become the best!"

A few reviewers wanted more flexible learning.

"The course has way to many readings, I wish the mode of imparting knowledge can be more flexible."

Some say they hoped for more engaging videos.

"This was a good and super important course... I was hoping for more engaging videos."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Expanding SEL with these activities:

Review dimensions of SEL

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To build a strong foundation for the course, refresh your memory about the dimensions of social and emotional learning.

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Read through the module on SEL dimensions
Review previous notes or coursework on SEL
Complete practice questions or exercises on SEL dimensions

Review the SEL competencies

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Reviewing the SEL competencies will help you to familiarize yourself with the skills and knowledge that you need to succeed in this course.

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Define SEL
Identify the five SEL competencies
Describe how SEL can be used in the classroom

Read 'Social Emotional Learning: A Guide for Educators'

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of SEL, including its history, theory, and practice. Reading this book will help you to gain a deeper understanding of SEL and its importance.

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Read Chapters 1-3
Read Chapters 4-6
Read Chapters 7-9

Six other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all nine activities

Create a SEL lesson plan

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Creating a SEL lesson plan will help you to think about how you can use SEL in your classroom.

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Identify the SEL competency that you want to address
Develop a lesson plan that incorporates SEL activities
Implement the lesson plan in your classroom

Participate in the SEL online course

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This online course will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about SEL and its applications in the classroom.

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Sign up for the course
Complete the course modules
Participate in the discussion forums

Practice SEL techniques in the classroom

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Practicing SEL techniques in the classroom will help you to develop your skills and confidence in using SEL.

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Identify opportunities to use SEL in the classroom
Create lesson plans that incorporate SEL activities
Implement SEL activities in the classroom

Attend a school-wide SEL event

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Attending a school-wide SEL event will allow you to connect with other educators who are interested in SEL.

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Find out when the next school-wide SEL event is
Attend the event

Contribute to the SEL open source community

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Contributing to the SEL open source community will allow you to share your knowledge and expertise with others.

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Find an open source SEL project
Submit a contribution to the project

Mentor a new SEL teacher

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Mentoring a new SEL teacher will allow you to share your knowledge and expertise with someone who is just starting out.

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Find a new SEL teacher who is looking for a mentor
Meet with your mentee on a regular basis
Provide guidance and support to your mentee

Career center

Learners who complete Expanding SEL will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

School Counselor

School Counselors are certified professionals who provide support to students in academic, career, and personal/social development. School Counselors work with students individually and in groups to help them achieve their full potential. This course can be particularly useful for School Counselors who want to learn more about community based and youth-empowerment approaches to social and emotional learning.

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School Social Worker

School Social Workers are certified professionals who help children and adolescents succeed in school and in life. Working with other school staff, parents, and community agencies, School Social Workers identify the needs of children and youth, provide services to help meet those needs, and link families with resources in the community. This course can be particularly useful for School Social Workers who want to learn more about the impact of social and political systems on children’s social and emotional experiences.

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Youth Development Specialist

Youth Development Specialists work with youth to help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life. They may work in schools, community centers, or other youth-serving organizations. This course can be particularly useful for Youth Development Specialists who want to learn more about the ways that SEL programs can be used to address the impact of social and political systems on children’s social and emotional experiences.

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Mental Health Counselor

Mental Health Counselors provide support to people of all ages who are struggling with mental health issues. They may work in schools, hospitals, clinics, or private practice. This course can be particularly useful for Mental Health Counselors who want to learn more about the role of SEL in promoting mental health and well-being.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people of all ages navigate the challenges of life. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, clinics, and social service agencies. This course can be particularly useful for Social Workers who want to learn more about the use of SEL to promote social justice and equity.

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Child and Family Therapist

Child and Family Therapists provide support to children and families who are struggling with emotional and behavioral issues. They may work in schools, clinics, or private practice. This course can be particularly useful for Child and Family Therapists who want to learn more about the use of SEL to promote healthy child development and family relationships.

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Teacher

Teachers work with students to help them learn and grow. In this role, they can implement SEL programs to foster students' social and emotional development. This course can be particularly useful for Teachers who want to learn more about the research and theory behind SEL, as well as how to implement SEL programs in the classroom.

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Educational Psychologist

Educational Psychologists work with students, teachers, and parents to improve educational outcomes. This course can be particularly useful for Educational Psychologists who want to learn more about the use of SEL to promote student learning and well-being.

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School Administrator

School Administrators work with principals and other school leaders to manage the day-to-day operations of a school. This course can be particularly useful for School Administrators who want to learn more about the use of SEL to improve school climate and culture.

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Principal

Principals are responsible for the overall leadership of a school. They work with teachers, staff, parents, and students to create a positive and supportive learning environment. This course can be particularly useful for Principals who want to learn more about the use of SEL to create a school culture that promotes student success.

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Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers are responsible for the design and development of educational curriculum. This course can be particularly useful for Curriculum Developers who want to learn more about the use of SEL to create engaging and effective learning experiences.

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Advocate

Advocates work to promote the interests of a particular group of people. This course can be particularly useful for Advocates who want to learn more about the use of SEL to advocate for policies and programs that support children and youth.

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Program Director

Program Directors are responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services. This course can be particularly useful for Program Directors who want to learn more about the use of SEL to develop and implement effective programs for children and youth.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct studies to collect and analyze data. This course can be particularly useful for Researchers who want to learn more about the use of SEL to improve educational outcomes.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy. This course can be particularly useful for Policy Analysts who want to learn more about the use of SEL to inform policy decisions.

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