The Teacher's Social and Emotional Learning

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/teachers-social-emotional-learning

Introduction

### Course Review: The Teacher's Social and Emotional Learning on Coursera In a rapidly evolving educational landscape, the significance of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs has grown exponentially over the last decade. While these initiatives have primarily focused on students, a crucial element often overlooked is the emotional well-being of the teachers themselves. Enter the course “The Teacher's Social and Emotional Learning” by Dan Liston and Randy Testa, an innovative offering on Coursera that delves into the often-unexplored emotional terrain of educators. This course is part of a broader five-course specialization titled “The Teacher and Social Emotional Learning,” and it provides a vital framework for understanding and enhancing a teacher's emotional intelligence. #### Course Overview This carefully structured course is designed for both new and experienced educators looking to deepen their understanding of their emotional responses within the teaching environment. Throughout the syllabus, the instructors focus on several key themes that aim to enrich the teaching experience not only for educators but also for their students. The course starts with a comprehensive introduction to SEL and firmly establishes its importance for teachers. Educators are encouraged to explore their self-awareness and reflect on their emotional terrain, establishing a foundational understanding that deeper self-discovery can lead to stronger, transformative relationships with students. This insight emphasizes the ripple effect that teacher awareness has on student engagement and success. The subsequent modules probe into the emotional nuances of teaching. One of the most compelling sections addresses the dichotomy of emotions educators experience, such as sadness, despair, joy, and passion. By inviting participants to reflect on these emotions, the course fosters a nuanced understanding of how different feelings influence teaching dynamics. The exploration of emotional responses aims to equip teachers with the necessary tools to not only navigate their own emotional landscape but to also create supportive and empathetic learning environments for their students. Additionally, the discussions around “grit” versus “wholeness” provide a rich opportunity for educators to reflect on their professional approach and values. The course challenges educators to assess the importance they place on perseverance versus a holistic sense of well-being, ultimately guiding them towards a more balanced teaching philosophy. #### Recommendations “The Teacher's Social and Emotional Learning” course is highly recommended for educators at all levels who are interested in enhancing their emotional intelligence and fostering healthier classroom environments. Here are a few reasons why this course stands out: 1. **Holistic Approach**: Unlike many traditional teaching training programs, this course emphasizes the emotional aspects of teaching, which are often neglected. By prioritizing emotional well-being, teachers can improve their practice and better support their students. 2. **Expert Instructors**: Dan Liston and Randy Testa offer insights from their extensive experience in education. Their guided reflections and discussions add immense value, allowing participants to engage meaningfully with the content. 3. **Interactive Learning**: The course incorporates reflective practices, enabling educators to apply their learning immediately to their teaching contexts. This practical application fosters a deeper understanding of how emotions influence teaching and learning. 4. **Focus on Self-Reflection**: The structured emphasis on self-reflection encourages teachers to develop a deeper understanding of themselves, thereby enhancing their effectiveness in the classroom. In conclusion, if you are an educator seeking to enrich your professional practice and cultivate emotional awareness, “The Teacher's Social and Emotional Learning” course on Coursera is a vital resource. It not only supports personal growth but also has the potential to transform classroom dynamics, ultimately contributing to a more empathetic and engaged learning environment for students and teachers alike. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and strategic emotional engagement by enrolling in this enlightening course today.

Syllabus

Why SEL and the teacher?

Here we introduce what SEL is and why it is important for all teachers. We elaborate the need for the teacher to enhance her/his knowledge of self, especially his/her own social and emotional terrain. A guiding premise is that deeper teacher self-understanding facilitates and enhances deeper student relations and greater chances for the transformative possibilities for student and teacher. A related premise is that by examining our deeply held cherished beliefs and emotional responses to situations and texts, we create opportunities for further insights into why and the ways we teach.

Here we further elaborate the need for the teacher to enhance her/his knowledge of self, especially his/her emotional responses as well as deeply held beliefs.

The value of reflection on and examination of sadness, despair, and related emotions in teaching is seen as one example of an enhanced “granularity” offered to teachers through reflection on emotions.

The value of reflection on and examination of joy and passion, as well as other related emotions in teaching is seen as another example of an enhanced “granularity” that can be gained by teachers through a reflection on emotions.

By contrasting “grit” and “wholeness” in teaching and learning we explore further the value we as individuals place on these two orienting dispositions.