How goal setting contributes to social and emotional learning?

SUMMARY

EXISTING KNOWLEDGE

1. Goal Setting in Education: Goal setting is a research-supported strategy to promote self-regulation, improve student engagement, and support academic, behavioral, and social development, especially in elementary classrooms.

2. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): SEL fosters skills like self-awareness, emotional regulation, and decision-making, which are linked to better academic performance and interpersonal relationships.

3. Challenges for Students with EBD (Emotional and Behavioral Disorders): These students often struggle with self-regulation and social skills, necessitating targeted, evidence-based interventions to enhance their classroom engagement and skill development.

NEW INSIGHTS FROM THIS STUDY

1. Integrating Goal Setting into SEL: Sanders et al. demonstrated how embedding goal setting into SEL instruction can effectively improve self-management and social skills among students with and at risk of EBD, fostering long-term growth in these areas.

2. Practical Goal-Setting Frameworks: The study outlined structured steps for implementing goal setting, such as operationally defining SEL skills, setting measurable goals, and using self-monitoring tools, which increased students' motivation and skill acquisition.

3. Enhanced Classroom Environment: Goal setting, combined with SEL practices, shifted the classroom culture towards a strength-based perspective, where students viewed challenges as opportunities for growth.

PUTTING RESEARCH INTO PRACTICE

1. Incorporate Goal Setting in SEL Curriculum: Teachers should include goal setting as a regular practice in SEL lessons, using frameworks like SMART goals to promote student self-management and progress tracking.

2. Use Data to Guide Interventions: Regular progress monitoring and graphing can help teachers identify when to adjust or intensify interventions for students struggling to meet goals.

3. Foster Self-Monitoring Skills: Teaching students to self-assess their progress fosters independence, self-efficacy, and long-term engagement in achieving their goals.

Cite/Refer this article: Ross, E. M. (2024). How goal setting contributes to social and emotional learning? Excellent Educator 1(16), 5. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.27999212

Reference: Sanders, S., Rollins, L. H., & McFall, A. (2023). Aiming high: Applying goal setting to social and emotional learning skills in the elementary classroom. Beyond Behavior, 32(1), 4–14. https://doi.org/10.1177/10742956221145692