In the ever-evolving landscape of education, a paradigm shift is called for. I believe there needs to be a fundamental re-evaluation of priorities, urging a departure from the prevalent focus on content and curriculum. Instead, the spotlight needs to prioritise fostering positive learning environments through the adoption of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).

Traditionally, most educational institutions have emphasized social control over social engagement. Classrooms demonstrate this sentiment with rows of students, minimal peer  interaction, and walls adorned with rules and regulations telling learners what to do and how to behave. But to cultivate an environment that fosters genuine learning, we must adopt a contrary approach. Picture learners in groups, maximum eye contact, abundant interaction, and walls adorned with their creative outputs – a paradigm shift towards an interactive, engaging, and positively charged learning space.

The foundational principles shaping this educational philosophy:

1. Engagement is Key: Engagement can not be switched on and off; it requires building over time. Engagement is a spectrum ranging from passive presence at one end to complete absorption in learning at the other. True engagement spans the physical, mental, emotional, and social needs of learners. As educators, our task is to nurture holistic engagement.
2. Learning as a Social Dynamic: Learning isn’t a solitary pursuit but a collaborative endeavor fueled by interaction, idea-sharing, and meaning negotiation. Creating a safe, open learning environment is pivotal to this process – one where teacher-student and peer interactions drive learning forward.
3. Teachers as Facilitators: Traditional education often portrays teachers as knowledge transmitters, burdening them with the sole responsibility of content delivery. However, true learning lies in the hands of the learners. Teachers assume the role of facilitators, crafting an environment where interaction and positive group dynamics reign supreme.

These learning-centered pedagogies are not groundbreaking. Indeed most teachers would readily accept the principles outlined above. Yet, their implementation in the classroom is fraught with challenges in the reality of teaching today. The teaching profession grapples with burnout, heavy workloads, limited encouragement for creativity or professional development, and a concerning attrition rate – with a staggering 50% leaving teaching within the initial 5 years.

The imperative question emerges: How can we navigate these challenges to embrace a pedagogy centered on Social and Emotional Learning?

In the next part of this blog series, I explore practical approaches to foster holistic engagement in the learning journey. Look out for the next post.