We all want our high school and college students to succeed academically and socially. Mastering executive function and social-emotional learning can make all the difference. At SAOTG, we believe that educating the whole student is the key to success. That’s why we’ve developed a unique executive function curriculum that includes organization, time management, learning skills, and impression management. Our program is backed by research from leading experts like Carol Dweck and Daniel Goleman, who have found that these skills are crucial for academic and personal success. Executive function is all about managing time, setting goals, staying organized, and presenting oneself in the best possible light. By learning how to plan ahead, prioritize tasks, and communicate effectively, your student can achieve their goals and excel in any endeavor. Impression management is just one of the pillars of executive function, and it can help your student ace interviews and make a positive first impression in any situation.
Social emotional learning (SEL) is the process of acquiring and applying the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. It is often taught in schools to promote emotional intelligence and help students develop the social and emotional competencies needed for success in school and in life. It focuses on developing a range of skills necessary for building healthy relationships, navigating social situations, and achieving success.
Like other core impression management skills, social-emotional learning helps individuals develop self-awareness, empathy, and social capital. Self-awareness refers to the ability to recognize one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, while empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others. Social capital refers to the resources and connections that individuals can access through their social networks. In this blog, we explain how students (and their parents) can improve their social emotional learning.
So how can you encourage social-emotional learning in your high school student?
One way is to model positive behavior yourself. Show empathy, communicate clearly, and practice good emotional management in your own life. Encourage your student to do the same by talking openly about emotions and feelings, and encouraging them to practice active listening and problem-solving. Anotherway to encourage social-emotional learning is to involve your student in extracurricular activities such as sports teams, clubs, or volunteer work. These activities provide opportunities for your student to develop social skills, build relationships, and learn responsibility.
High school students can also develop their social emotional learning by engaging in activities that promote empathy, such as volunteering or participating in community service projects. These experiences allow students to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and situations, fostering a deeper appreciation for the experiences and perspectives of others. They can also learn to communicate more effectively, work collaboratively, and develop leadership skills.
Finally, developing a growth mindset is a critical aspect of SEL. Students who embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and persevere through difficult tasks are more likely to view setbacks as opportunities for growth and improvement. This can help them to develop greater self-confidence, resilience, and motivation to succeed. By promoting a growth mindset in high school students, educators can foster a lifelong love of learning and personal growth.
For more information on executive function, check out our other blog posts to learn more about our program and how we can help your student succeed. And if you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to us today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can help your student thrive both academically and personally.
