Author: Hafsah Aminu (edited by Gary Motteram) | Published on 14 December 2023

 

Objective

Educators will explore effective strategies for addressing behavioural issues in the classroom through the integration of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) principles.

Stage 1: Introduction

  1. Icebreaker Activity: Share a brief personal reflection on a time when a student's behaviour posed a challenge. Encourage educators to do the same, fostering a collaborative and reflective atmosphere.
  2. Overview of SEL and Behaviour: Briefly explain the connection between SEL and behaviour management.

Stage 2: Introduction to SEL Competencies 

SEL Framework Overview: Provide an overview of the core SEL competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

Stage 3: SEL Strategies for Behavioural Issues

Workshop on SEL Strategies:

  • Self-Awareness Strategies: Discuss methods for promoting self-awareness in students.
  • Self-Management Techniques: Explore strategies to help students manage their emotions and behaviours.
  • Social Awareness Building: Share activities to enhance students' understanding of others.
  • Relationship Skills: Discuss approaches to fostering positive relationships in the classroom.
  • Responsible Decision-Making: Explore techniques for guiding students in making responsible choices.

Stage 4: Understanding Behavioural Issues

  • Interactive Discussion: Engage educators in a discussion about common behavioural issues in classrooms. Encourage them to share experiences and insights.
  • Interactive Activity: Break educators into small groups and have them brainstorm how each SEL competency might relate to specific behavioural issues.
  • Case Studies: Present case studies illustrating various behavioural challenges (examples, aggressiveness, withdrawal from social activities, snide remarks, and disregard for deadlines). Discuss the emotional and social factors that may contribute to these behaviours. For example, change in family dynamics, loss of a close relative, finance.

Stage 5: Role-Playing

  1. Role-Playing Exercise: Divide educators into pairs and provide them with scenarios depicting challenging student behaviours. For example, a once vibrant student that suddenly becomes withdrawn or a student showing disregard for deadlines. Each pair should practice applying SEL strategies to address the issues. 
  2. Group Discussion: After role-playing, facilitate a group discussion where educators share insights and effective strategies they discovered during the exercise.

Stage 6: Application and Action Planning 

  1. Reflection:Ask educators to reflect on how they can integrate SEL strategies into their teaching practices.
  2. Action Planning: In small groups, have educators develop action plans for implementing SEL strategies in their classrooms.
  3. Sharing and Feedback: Each group shares their action plans, and the class provides constructive feedback.
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