Social-Emotional Learning: Relationship Skills and Social Sensing

Social-Emotional Learning

Content Warning

The content of this course includes topics that may be difficult for some to discuss, particularly those related to trauma-informed teaching and learning. Becoming better educators often requires helping students process their traumas, which may, in turn, bring up our own. Course designers and facilitators aim to create a space where you can engage bravely, empathetically, and thoughtfully with difficult content.

When reflecting in discussions or assignments, share only what you feel comfortable disclosing. Maintain confidentiality regarding yourself, students, and colleagues. If discussions involve sensitive topics, prioritize your well-being and share only as feels appropriate. If you have concerns or need support, reach out to the instructor directly. Below is the national crisis resource line for reference. Note that it does not replace professional intervention with school counselors or interfere with school policies. We encourage teachers to review crisis resources with administration before sharing them with students.

Relationship Skills and Social Sensing

• Course Type: Self-Paced, Fully-Facilitated
• Course Length: 10 Hours
• Course Access: Participants have 45 days from the date of enrollment to complete the course

This 10-hour course explores relationship skills and social sensing, two essential social-emotional competencies. Students who practice these skills develop deeper connections, enhance emotional well-being, and engage meaningfully with their communities and peers. The course contains two substantive units:

Relationship Skills

Students must learn how to form meaningful, beneficial relationships and recognize when to step away from unhealthy connections. This unit provides tools and activities to help students build relationships, manage peer pressure, communicate effectively, and engage positively with others.

Social Sensing

Educators play a crucial role in introducing students to social justice topics and global citizenship. This unit discusses methods to empower students to engage with and contribute positively to their communities and the broader world.

Course Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Explore strategies for teaching students to develop relationships with each other and outside the classroom.
• Learn how to teach students to manage peer pressure, recognize unhealthy relationships, and set appropriate boundaries.
• Discuss how to foster social engagement in their students at a time when social media plays a large role in socialization.
• Examine ways to help students improve their communication skills in different environments, practice their conversation skills and etiquette, and participate in teams effectively.
• Explore strategies for promoting global citizenship among your students.
• Reflect on the elements of an SEL classroom present in their classroom and target areas for improvement.