November 2023 at the SECD Lab

November 2023 at the SECD Lab

We hope everyone had a great end to the month of November and enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday. Earlier this month, Dr. Elias was featured in a blog post on the Research Press’s website. Click here to see what they have to say about SEL and its immense value in school systems.

Dr. Elias also hosted a webinar with the Committee for Children titled “The Essential Synergy of SEL and Character Development.” When students have a positive purpose and a mindset of contribution, they can be more willing to learn and cooperate. In this webinar, Dr. Elias unpacked the integral connection between social-emotional learning (SEL) and character through social-emotional and character development (SECD). He explained how schools can prioritize SECD in character-driven environments and empower students to realize their positive purpose.

To register for future webinars or view recordings of past webinars, check out the links below!

Webinar Schedules

Webinars and Other Events

 
 

In other exciting news, one of our undergraduate research assistants, Elsie Arina, successfully presented a poster this month at the ABCT conference held in Seattle, WA!

 

Self-Expression

Fostering self-expression in children is crucial for their holistic development, involving the articulation of thoughts and emotions through various means such as words, appearance, or actions. Encouraging this expression enhances self-confidence, independence, and creativity, enabling children to discover their unique qualities. Here are a few ways to encourage self-expression among students:

  1. Using arts as a medium for expression

  2. Talk to them about their feelings

  3. Encourage exploration

  4. Offer them choices

  5. Let them develop their own style

Read the following articles and blogs for more tips:

How to Encourage Self Expression in Students (teachmint.com)

10 Activities to Encourage Self-Expression in Pre-Teens (scholastic.com)

How Invention Education Encourages Self-Expression | National Inventors Hall of Fame®

Importance of Encouragement

As a parent or teacher, the things you say and do can profoundly impact students, either uplifting them or causing emotional distress. Students absorb positive words and supportive actions, which fuel their motivation to achieve success. Encouragement can be a critical factor that influences whether students persist in their educational journey or give up. Here are a few ways you can encourage and uplift students.

  1. Give positive feedback

  2. Listen

  3. Use positive body language

  4. Show students their own success

  5. Validate and be honest

For more information, check out these resources:

The Importance of Encouragement in Education (kentwoodprepschool.com)

15 Ways To Make Students Feel Encouraged (risevision.com)

Encouragement vs Praise for Teachers | Positive Discipline

Praise vs Encouragement: What's the Difference and Why it Matters (selfsufficientkids.com)

AI in Education

As the use of AI becomes a growing topic of conversation, it is important to address its use in a school setting to best benefit students’ education. If implemented well, AI can become a great resource and learning tool for students. For example, it can be used for personalized studying and generating feedback for students, as well as a tool to help with automated obligations for teachers.

However, there are a few disadvantages to the use of AI in school systems that we should note so that it can be implemented in the best way possible. First, AI lacks interpersonal skills, and students should be aware that it cannot replace instructors, but rather act as a tool and secondary resource. Additionally, the biggest concerns are AI’s potential bias and lack of privacy.

AI has the potential to transform education, yet challenges need careful consideration before widespread implementation in schools.

Related Resources:

Should schools ban or integrate generative AI in the classroom? | Brookings

Using AI Tools for Differentiated Instruction | Edutopia

Teaching Students to Use AI Tools | Edutopia

Embracing Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom | Harvard Graduate School of Education

AI in Education: The Advantages and Disadvantages (instrucko.com)

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@secdlab self expression allows for students to feel more comfortable in class and can increae self efficacy!! here are some ways to encourage self expression in the classroom #sel #secd #socialemotionallearning #education #studenttok #teachertok #edutok #schooltok #fyp #selfexpression ♬ original sound - SECD Lab

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To keep up to date with our lab on a day to day basis, please go follow our social media accounts! We are on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok, and Pinterest. We also have a podcast titled SECD On Demand! Check it out wherever you may listen to your podcasts!

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October 2023 at the SECD Lab

October 2023 at the SECD Lab

We hope everyone had a wonderful wrap to their October month. Here at the SECD Lab, we are striving to spread awareness on many topics, including the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and self-regulation. October is also the month dedicated to ADHD Awareness. To learn more, we encourage everyone to check out some of our resources linked below.

ADHD Awareness Month

ADHD Awareness Month is an annual observance to raise awareness about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The goal of ADHD Awareness Month is to educate the public about ADHD, reduce stigma, and promote understanding of this neurodevelopmental disorder. ADHD is commonly diagnosed in children but can persist into adulthood, affecting people's attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

During ADHD Awareness Month people engage in activities to increase awareness and understanding of the condition. These activities may include:

1. Educating oneself and accessing resources: Learning more about the condition can help you advocate for those who have it. Check out the resources with information and tips for parents, teachers, and teens linked at the bottom of this page to get started.

2. Using one’s voice: Use social media platforms to spread information and resources about ADHD, as well as to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions.

3. Attending/organizing events: Workshops, support groups, seminars, and webinars can help connect individuals with ADHD, their families, and caregivers to share personal experiences and provide emotional support, as well as provide easy access to information about ADHD.

6. Supporting ADHD organizations: Some organizations may accept donations and raise funds to support research, awareness, and advocacy efforts related to ADHD.

ADHD Awareness Month serves as a platform for fostering understanding and empathy, encouraging early diagnosis and intervention, and promoting the well-being of individuals living with ADHD. It also encourages educators and healthcare professionals to better support those with ADHD and work toward creating more inclusive and accommodating environments.

Check out this article to learn more about ADHD Awareness Month’s history, mission, and ways to celebrate!

Teamwork & Collaboration

Teamwork and collaboration in the classroom are important for fostering a positive learning environment and helping students develop essential life skills. These skills go beyond academic knowledge and are valuable for students as they prepare for their future careers and personal lives. Here are some key aspects and strategies for managing teamwork and collaboration in the classroom:

  1. Identify a leader

  2. Give everyone a role

  3. Make sure that everyone is pulling their weight

  4. Learn to coach more and teach less

Teamwork allows students to learn from their peers, which, in turn, enhances feelings of connectedness and community among students and can add excitement to lessons. By emphasizing teamwork and collaboration in the classroom, educators can help students develop crucial skills, including effective communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, adaptability, and empathy.

Learn more about the benefits of teamwork and tips to manage collaboration in the classroom by checking out the articles below:

What Are The Benefits Of Teamwork In The Classroom? (brightclassroomideas.com)

4 Tips to Manage Teamwork in the Classroom - Calmer Classrooms

 

Self-Regulation

Self-regulation is an essential skill for students to develop as it helps them manage their emotions, behaviors, and learning strategies. It empowers them to become more independent and effective learners. Here are some strategies and tips for promoting self-regulation in students:

  1. Teach and practice coping skills: Equip students with coping strategies for dealing with setbacks and challenges. This could include mindful breathing, seeking help from teachers or peers, and maintaining a positive attitude.

  2. Provide emotion check-ins: Help students recognize and understand their emotions. When they are aware of their feelings, they can manage them effectively. Strategies like mindfulness can be beneficial.

  3. Help develop routines: Encouraging consistency helps students build good habits and reinforces self-regulation. For example, students can be expected to come into class, submit homework, and start work written on the board as part of their morning routine.

  4. Prepare for transitions: Giving students a warning that they will be changing activities helps them with time-management. This can be done using something like a visual countdown timer or a bell chime for a 5-minute warning.

  5. Provide feedback: Provide constructive feedback on students' self-regulation efforts and encourage them to reflect on their progress regularly. By doing so and developing personalized goals together, student will learn how they can improve.

Remember that self-regulation is a skill that develops over time and may vary among students. Be patient and provide guidance and support as they work on enhancing their self-regulation skills. The ultimate goal is to empower students to become more effective, self-directed learners.

For more practices to help students build self-regulation skills, check out this article!

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@secdlab 👻 Happy Halloween👻 These books incorporate Halloween elements/themes while offering valuable lessons about emotions, kindness, courage, and personal development, making them perfect for discussing SEL!! #halloween #spook #spookyseason #edutok #fyp #socialemotionallearning #Canva #teachersoftiktok #bookrecommendations #booktok ♬ Spooky, Scary Skeletons (House VIP Remix) - Crystal Knives & Lex Allen
 
 

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To keep up to date with our lab on a day to day basis, please go follow our social media accounts! We are on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok, and Pinterest. We also have a podcast titled, SECD On Demand! Check it out wherever you may listen to your podcasts!

 

Singapore Delegation Visit

Singapore Delegation Visit to SECD Lab

On October 5th and 6th, we had the pleasure of collaborating with the Singapore Delegation and showing them the SECD Lab’s work in professional development and research in establishing strong partnerships with schools and the community. The delegation visited schools in Paramus and Roselle, NJ with Dr. Elias, where SECD is implemented. We also held a panel between the delegates and NJ schools from Montville, Hanover Park, Whippany, and Morristown.

Thank you attendees!

We would like to thank members of the Singapore Centre for Character and Citizenship Education of the National Institute of Education for visiting our lab:

  • Professor Tan Oon Seng, Centre Director

  • Ms Liaw Shao Jun Nicole, Deputy Centre Director

  • Dr Yue Yu, Education Research Scientist

  • Ms Ng May Gay, Teaching Fellow

  • Swee Chuan, Teaching Fellow

We would also like to thank the Singaporean Ministry of Education for taking the time to visit our lab and learn about the importance of SECD in schools:

  • Ms Ong Soo Lin, Lead Specialist, Guidance Branch, Student Development Curriculum Division 1

  • Mr Osman Abdullah, Master Teacher, Character and Citizenship Education, Academy of Singapore Teachers

 

Stay Connected with Us!

To keep up to date with our lab on a day to day basis, please go follow our social media accounts! We are on Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok, and Pinterest. We also have a podcast titled, SECD On Demand! Check it out wherever you may listen to your podcasts!

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