Embracing Social and Emotional Learning in Virtual Learning
We are living in unprecedented times, characterized by fear, disillusionment, confusion, and uncertainties about what the future holds for each one of us. Perhaps one of the most significant changes is being felt in the education sector, where, as a new school term begins, learners, teachers, and school administrations across the country are gearing up to the adoption of virtual learning on a grander scale than there ever was in the past.
However, even though there are qualms expected during this transition, there is an African proverb that says, “The wind does not break the tree that bends.” This wise saying is ideal in describing the cross-road situation we are at. It can help to re-shaping our attitude about the rather unsettling challenges that we, educators, and students are facing at the moment; from one of misery and dejection to one of excitement and hope for the future. Thus, bending, in this case, means embracing this change optimistically and getting accustomed to the effective use of virtual learning technology. This is precisely what I have been up to the over past few weeks. During this period, I have learned many interesting things that I am eager to share with you because I believe that a lesson shared is a lesson learned. Below, I discuss some techniques learned regarding adopting social-emotional learning in e-classes.
Social-emotional learning, commonly abbreviated as S.E.L, is a category of learning that encompasses the following aspects at its core structure:
· Comprehensive understanding of a person’s own emotions.
· Proper control of an individual’s feelings and emotions.
· Empathy towards others which begins by taking into consideration their backgrounds and cultures so as to better understand their emotions.
· Fostering healthy relationships with other people.
· Employing rationality during the decision-making process.
Ideally, successful teaching and learning begin with the establishment of an emotional connection between the teacher and the student. This is because once the emotions are kept in check, concentration rises to its peak while distractions are kept at bay.
Next, how can educators incorporate social-emotional learning in the online setting of a classroom?
1. Yourself first
Consciously or not, we have all been affected by this COVID-19 pandemic in one way or another; directly or indirectly. The bottom line is the fact that our stress levels have gone up, and as a first step to implementing social and emotional learning techniques, we as teachers need to find ways of soothing our emotions and feelings. Whether it’s through a favorite past-time, meditation, physical exercise, regular calls with friends, or whatever best suits you, we all need to find solace in an activity or two. This way, we will be in a better frame of mind to inspire social and emotional learning among our children.
2. How are they?
It is tempting to hop right into the academic business of the day and be done with it but is that really the most important thing? The ‘who’, and not the ‘what’ definitely comes first. Make it your interest as a teacher to know how your students are fairing, how they are coping with the pandemic.
Be unafraid to talk about the pandemic. Let them get positive energy about it from you, for example, by constantly encouraging them to look at the bright side of life. Do not view the COVID-19 subject matter as a distraction but as a way to nurture your emotional connection with them.
3. Inspire them to be part of the solution
Encourage them to channel their spare time and energy into creative activities that will contribute positively to the containment of the pandemic. Seemingly ‘small’ initiatives like making and posting thank-you cards to workers on the front line such as nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers will definitely go a long way. They could also mail in suggestions of solutions to various challenges posed by the pandemic.
4. Balance is key
The core business of any kid in school is to achieve their possible best academically therefore, social-emotional learning should be balanced with academics. Be intentional and work out a feasible plan about how to strike a balance between all the key aspects of learning in your class, so as to meet the needs of the kids wholesomely.
Molding all-rounded students should be the preoccupation of every passionate teacher. S.E.L. forms a significant part of that wholesome training and therefore keen attention has to be paid to it. Soft skills, nurtured through S.E.L. are becoming more invaluable for both employers and entrepreneurs.
I hope the few engagement techniques highlighted here add value to my fellow instructors, as we buckle-up for a tough and unconventional term ahead. Being the ‘adults,’ the closest role-models, and among the people that our children look up to, it is time to really hold their hands tight and be the super-heroes most of them perceive us to be. Let’s show them that when the going gets tough, the tough get going!
