Building strong relationships between teachers and students is vital to creating a comfortable atmosphere for learning. This involves not only academic instruction but also incorporating social-emotional learning (SEL) practices.
In the Lamar University online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teacher Leadership program, the Cognition and Instruction course highlights the importance of these kinds of relationships. Here, teachers get experience prioritizing knowledge of students’ social-emotional needs in addition to their academic growth. The course also covers cognition, learning theories and frameworks, psychology and related research that are important for learning and instruction. A particular focus is on using these ideas to help students reach high academic standards.
Everyday Speech, a leading provider of social-emotional educational resources for different learning professionals, special educators and speech therapists, emphasizes the need to develop social skills and lists advantages such as improved academic achievement, healthier classroom environments and relationships, reduced conflicts and behavioral issues, and a higher sense of self-esteem and self-confidence. Teachers can prepare students for success outside the classroom by giving them the emotional intelligence and interpersonal communication skills they need to succeed in various social contexts.
Creating a Supportive Classroom Culture
Although social-emotional learning can improve classroom dynamics, some advise caution. A LinkedIn article addresses possible dangers and advises teachers to proceed carefully while implementing SEL. Dr. Dena Simmons, an expert in SEL, warns against misapplications of social-emotional learning and its potential impact on students of color. She highlights that SEL can perpetuate racial disparities if not applied with a critical lens on equity. Dr. Simmons emphasizes how SEL should oppose the current socio-political landscape, fight racial and socioeconomic inequities, and go beyond being just a classroom management strategy.
Referenced in the LinkedIn article, Derrick Smith and Christine J. Yeh’s study advocates for a balance between nurturing and discipline to prevent problematic behaviors and encourage cultural empowerment. Fostering a balanced environment is crucial for genuinely equitable education and setting high expectations for all students.
Satchel Pulse, an educational software provider, advocates for building open relationships with students as a foundation of effective classroom management. Central to this approach is fostering self-awareness with educators and students. Teachers can better understand each student’s unique needs, preferences and obstacles by promoting reflection and conversation. This self-awareness forms the basis for creating an inclusive classroom atmosphere where every student feels valued and supported.
Intending to change classroom dynamics, The Blue Brain Teacher provides a library of interactive exercises intended to get students interested and promote teamwork. These activities, which range from cooperative learning exercises to group discussions, encourage peer contact and active engagement, enhancing the learning experience. By implementing these tactics, teachers can create a dynamic classroom environment where students actively participate in their own education.
Fostering Positive Connections to Empower Students
Managing behavioral issues is crucial to maintaining a positive classroom environment. Effective teacher leaders, such as graduates of Lamar University’s online M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership program, promote proactive tactics based on compassion and understanding rather than punishment. This way, teachers can successfully address students’ social-emotional needs by customizing interventions that target the underlying issues causing disruptive behavior. Teacher leaders who adopt this proactive strategy encourage respect and a sense of belonging among students, encouraging positive behavior and better outcomes.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online Master of Education in Teacher Leadership program.
