3 Practices to Creating Meaningful Learning Experiences for All

Statia Paschel, Director of Social and Emotional Learning and Cultural Proficiency and Inclusiveness, Austin ISD

Have you ever walked away from a learning experience feeling seen, valued and connected to the work? Did you feel like your presence and expertise went beyond accumulated degrees or completions of certifications? Like the essence of who you are, your personal and cultural assets, were essential to the success of the collaborative efforts? How did that make you feel? How was your performance and/or learning impacted? I want you to keep that person in mind.

Growing up, we all have memories of our teachers. The ones that we admire taught in a way that had a lasting impression. Millie Von See was that inspirational educator for me. She made me feel like I could accomplish any goal that I set my mind to because I had all the tools that I needed, even when I didn’t see those strengths in myself. She knew my name, my fears, my strengths, my desires and my family. She greeted me at the door, asked how my weekend went, encouraged my voice in classroom discussions and gave us time to work together as peers. Back then, there wasn’t a name for what she did. It was just a part of who she was and her sense of being. Now, I recognize her educational philosophy about classroom culture created a climate that celebrated each of us as our fullest selves.

If we accept that the day-to-day interactions between teachers, students and staff are determining factors of the success or failure of our schools, then sustaining an equitable learning environment is essential. Intentional threading of Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) Signature Practices is a tool that can foster interaction and establish brave spaces for equity of voice in a supportive learning environment. The following are three SEL signature practices from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) that should be used whenever we come together as a community of learners.

"Intentional threading of Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) Signature Practices is a tool that can foster interaction and establish brave spaces for equity of voice in a supportive learning environment"

Welcoming or Inclusive Opening: Setting the tone for the learning

• Instead of jumping right into a meeting or instruction, starting with brief routines provides interactive experiences that give everyone a voice and connects the community of learners.

• There is an element of personal choice that builds community, creates a climate of inclusion and communicates belonging.

• The strategy used matches the purpose and needs of participants.

Example: Checking in with participants with a reflective question that allows them to share as little or as much as they choose. “What’s a color that describes how you feel?”

Engaging Strategies: Time for processing, sense-making and brain breaks

• Embed experiences where learners are naturally engaged both individually and with their peers throughout the experience.

• Use strategies that honor the array of cultural norms and personal learning/working preferences that exist in your group.

• Helps the group stay focused and in a state of optimal learning.

Example: Think, Ink, Share - participants have thinking time, writing out their thoughts and then share with a peer

Optimistic Close: Authentic reflection and looking forward

• Don’t be fooled by the name and think it means ending on a happy note. It is the intentional and authentic reflection and understanding of the learning experience.

• Give participants time to reflect and be future focused.

• Everyone’s voice is heard by at least one other person or in writing.

Example: Complete a closing check-in on emotions by simply asking something like, “Which one to two words sum up your feelings about our time together?”

We know that all learning is social, emotional and cultural. Research shows that students who participate in SEL have better coping skills, stronger pro-social skills and more effective stress management skills. SEL Signature Practices are a tool to help cultivate an environment to build connections (ie. teacher-student, student-student, whole class community) in order to optimize the learning experience for staff and students. Thus, this is not intended to be used randomly. SEL Signature Practices should be woven throughout every lesson/meeting, every day of the year. They can become the anchor for supportive environments that build SEL competencies and create an opportunity for equitable voice, seeing one another and celebrating our strengths.

Mrs. See will forever be a huge influence into why I became an educator. She is the epitome of SEL in action. The environment she created supported everyone’s learning, practiced and developed productivity skills while establishing and maintaining positive relationships. I am grateful.