Teaching Approach: Guide on the Side - EDTE 255 - Fall 2024
When I think of myself as a teacher, I see myself more as a "guide on the side". I want my classroom to be a place where students take ownership of their learning, with me there to support and direct them instead of just delivering the content for them to memorize. I think that students learn best when they're actively engaged, asking questions, and making connections to their own lives--especially when it comes to teaching history.
Looking back at my own education, I learned the most from teachers who acted as guides that encouraged me to explore the topic and think about it critically. While I think that direct instruction is appropriate at times, I believe the guiding approach helps students become more independent, think about the content critically, and develop a deeper understanding. This guiding approach has always worked best for me, and I hope to bring that into my own classroom.
The topic I have selected is one that I believe is absolutely essential in education, and I wish it would have been developed and caught on as a trend much sooner than it did. Social-Emotional Learning, or SEL, is an educational approach focused on helping students manage emotions, build relationships, make responsible decisions, and navigate social situations. It supports students in developing emotional and social skills alongside academics, recognizing that these abilities are essential for their overall well-being and success in learning.
I first encountered SEL when applying for the GREAT Teachers Pipeline Grant. One of the essay questions asked, "What do you already know about social-emotional learning (SEL)?" I didn’t know much about it then, but as I researched, I quickly realized how essential it is. I truly believe that if SEL were implemented in every school, it would change the educational experience, and that change would ripple out into society. SEL shifted my perspective from seeing education as purely academic to understanding that emotional and social growth is just as important. Now, I view SEL as foundational. It directly addresses students' mental health, helps build a positive classroom culture, and prepares them for real-life challenges by fostering empathy, self-awareness, and stronger interpersonal skills. The more I learn about SEL, the more I believe it can create a more understanding and connected society.
In my EFE placement, I’ve seen elements of SEL in action in Mrs. Jensen’s classroom. She makes it a point to build rapport with her students, encourages teamwork, and regularly checks in on how they’re feeling—especially during challenging assignments. These simple practices create a supportive atmosphere where students feel safe to express themselves. This approach has shown me how much SEL contributes to inclusivity, helping every student feel valued and understood.
One of the biggest advantages of SEL is how it supports students' mental health. By giving them tools to manage stress and build strong relationships, SEL can improve both their well-being and their academic performance. Additionally, it creates a respectful, connected classroom environment where students feel they belong. However, SEL has some challenges. Many teachers feel unprepared to teach it and would need more training, while schools often lack the budget and time to fully integrate it into their schedules, leading to inconsistent results.
The main issue with SEL isn’t the idea itself but ensuring it’s applied consistently. Without enough training or resources, teachers may struggle to implement it effectively. A possible solution could be more professional development on SEL, along with resources that make it easier to include in the classroom. Schools could also look into partnerships with community organizations to get the support needed for a strong SEL program.
I’ve watched Mrs. Jensen successfully integrate SEL into her teaching. Each week, she begins with a “check-in” where students share what’s on their minds, allowing them to express emotions and connect with one another. She also encourages respectful conflict resolution, guiding students to work through disagreements in a way that builds empathy. Observing her class has shown me how even small SEL strategies make a big difference in creating a safe, inclusive learning environment.
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References
American Institutes for Research (AIR). (2023). Social and Emotional Learning: What Do We Know? Retrieved from https://www.air.org/resource/social-and-emotional-learning-what-do-we-know
Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). (2023). What is SEL? Retrieved from https://casel.org/what-is-sel
Darling-Hammond, L., et al. (2021). Social and Emotional Learning in Schools: Moving from Programs to Practice.Learning Policy Institute. Retrieved from https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/social-emotional-learning-schools-report
Edutopia. (2023). Why Social and Emotional Learning is Essential for Students. George Lucas Educational Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/sel-research-learning-outcomes