Case Stories Support Teachers' Understanding of Social and Emotional Learning

• In Event: 54.080 - Roundtable Session 22
  In Roundtable Session: 54.080-17 - Fresh Insights in Social and Emotional Learning: Qualitative Investigations of Toddlers, Teachers, and Travel

Abstract

This study reports our efforts to improve our ability to strengthen pre-service teacher candidates’ understandings of the social and emotional dimensions of learning (SEL). Areas of particular challenge for candidates included (1) justifying pedagogical choices concerning SEL; (2) using language to cultivate SEL in challenging situations; (3) addressing the needs of culturally diverse students; and (4) adapting curricula in order to teach SEL skills. To address these challenge areas, we developed a collection of case stories using relevant CASEL categories (2010), which were used to support reflective dialogues. Our evidence suggests dialogues about these cases deepened candidates’ understanding of these areas significantly.

Authors

• Colette Rabin, San José State University

• Grinell Smith, San José State University