Learning by Teaching: The Serendipitous Effects of Implementing a Social-Emotional Learning Program
Presenters:
Janet Martinez
Co-presenter: Dr. Catherine Faver, Social Work Professor
Presentation Title:
Learning by Teaching: The Serendipitous Effects of Implementing a Social-Emotional Learning Program
Abstract:
This project explores the impact of a social emotional learning program on the UTRGV students who implemented the program as a service learning project. RedRover Readers is a program is designed to help children ages 5 to 11 to develop empathy, regulate emotions and connect with others in positive ways (www.redrover.org/readers). In this project, the Readers are UTRGV undergraduate students who implement the RedRover Readers program in elementary schools, public libraries, and other family settings. Implementing the Readers program strengthens the sense of social responsibility and concern of those who implement it, which is consistent with prior findings on the impact of service learning on university students. By implementing the Readers program, UTRGV students help the child participants address all 5 of the Core Competencies for social and emotional learning (SEL) as identified by CASEL (the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning); social awareness, self-awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision making, and self-management. Along with the children, UTRGV student volunteers expressed significant growth in their own understanding of the SEL competencies. Cultivation of social-emotional skills helps to prevent behavioral health problems and contributes to successful functioning in adult roles.
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Explain how the RedRover Readers program aligns with SEL competencies
- Describe the outcomes of a Health pilot course designed to teach UTRGV students about SEL competencies
- Explain how students’ service-learning experience can develop and reinforce the 5 SEL competencies in their skill sets