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Selling SEL: An Interview with Daniel Goleman
The author of Emotional Intelligence speaks on the value of social and emotional learning.
| About this Video
Release Date:2/27/08
Running Time: 6 min.
Video Credits
Directed by
- Ken Ellis
Associate Producer:
- Amy Erin Borovoy
Editor:
- Karen Sutherland
Camera Crew:
- Orlando Video Productions
- &Copy; 2008
- The George Lucas Educational Foundation
- All rights reserved.
emotionally abused children
Submitted by idsawindell, chas. s.c. (not verified) on June 11, 2008 - 14:37.
In all my years of teaching high school, Middle school, and elementary school, and Technical College students in Early Childhood Education I have emphasized that emotional health is the area most neglected in our nation's children. My favorite thing to say is our children are fast becoming "an endangered species".
Children need to be loved and valued as human beings more than any thing else. All other learning follows is my stand. Ida Swindell
I 1st learned of Dr.
Submitted by Linda Fuller (not verified) on April 23, 2008 - 20:27.
I 1st learned of Dr. Goleman's Theory when I purchased his pbs video from my public library. So long had I struggled to find a term to accurately describe the empathy, self-control, co-operative and self-less qualities my children exhibit. I work very hard with my kids and protect them from too many outside determental influences from the media etc. I do this because I learned that when "good kids" are left to be influenced by "bad kids" it was the bad influences that prevailed and brought down the good kids and not vise-versa. I have told my children that they may very well be the smartest kids that they will ever meet and that they need to rely and trust their judgment over anything their peers may tell them. I long for the day when Emotional Intelligence is more the public normal and not so rare.
I believe as Dr. Goleman does that these lessons can & should be taught in public schools as parents may not know how to or even the great value this theory holds for a calmer America and a more successful population. But there are the mental roadblocks inherent in the system. How long would it take to revamp our educational system? Where's the money to do it? How can all the school's worldwide receive and benefit given all the cultural, language differences, and how to reach the remote areas?
This theory is what I believe to be the most important issue today as all other issues can be addressed together in a most co-operative fashion when we as a people tap into our inherent human potential? When people feel capable, appreciated, a valuable part of a larger community of man-endorphins will flow and well-being and pride in one's self ensue. What heights can we attain?
I have a plan to revolutionize learning with this theory of Emotional Intelligence as the underlying lessons that are wrapped around Math, Science, ESL, Spelling, Driver's Ed, Nutrition, Cosmology, etc...most any subject really. With Emotional Intelligence as the underlying factor a neutral place for parents, students, teachers, administrators and community members could gather in an environment that celebrates each child as a special person with special gifts.
We can teach about the amegdula hijack and how to stay within the logical mindsets. Sistercityhood is how people can reach out to one another to build educational systems for our planet. It's alot of work but what else do we have to do with our collective time. The Internet can connect us. Thanks to Dr. Goleman's theories so much more is possible.
Linda, Your passion really
Submitted by Marilee (not verified) on May 27, 2008 - 15:53.
Linda,
Your passion really comes through in your post, and it's contagious! You are right, we can make a change. Perhaps revamping the whole educational system starts with teachers like you!
In all that I do as a teacher, I find ways to incorporate my knowledge of social and emotional intelligences. Whether it's learning to share during a fractions lesson; understanding respect when we walk down the hallway quietly; or learning how to work together on the playground during a game of kickball, teachers need to recognize the importance of a child's social and emotional well-being.
As Goleman had said, it's not all about the academics. When it's time to go out into the world and be successful, many more qualities are needed than just knowing the academic side of a profession. Working with colleagues, being an effective communicator, understanding appropriate behavior -- it's all important and needed in order to be successful.
Very often we forget to look at the "whole child." With NCLB, we are driven to focus on test scores. In my district, we are under incredible pressure for high test scores (who isn't?!?). Months before the tests, I can see the anxiety and stress building in the students. As much as I try to limit the level of anxiety of my students, truth be told - I'm anxious too, so inevitably my feelings seem to "rub-off" on my students. The difference is, as a successful adult, I am old enough to understand these feelings; 8 and 9 year olds are not.
When thinking of the "whole child" during these few months before testing, what are we really teaching them? I understand that it's important for them to have proper test-taking skills, understand the importance of tests, etc. However, with the amount of pressure that is put upon them, I'm not sure that the positive effects of these tests out weigh the negative.
It's time for a change. Though there are millions of teachers and students around the world, we can start this change within our own classroom tomorrow. Each year I have 25 students, in four years from now I would have taught 100 students how to be successful citizens in society. Someday, they'll teach their children as I'm continuing to teach my students. The positive impact we have can, and will, spread faster than we know!
Selling SEL: An Interview with Daniel Goleman
Submitted by Cecile Wren - Long Island, New York (not verified) on March 18, 2008 - 12:34.
Daniel Goleman is incredible - how do we get society to understand that SEL is a necessary prerequisite to being successful in life?
I am a retired Middle School Principal who worked with my staff to naturally integrated SEL into the structure, organization, and curriculum in our school community.
I am now an educational consultant and SEL is my passion. We need go help educators and parents understand that SEL is a way a life - from BIRTH to BEYOND!
I believe that all teachers should have training in SEL prior to entering the profession and be committed to being a life-long learner.
The article on self-esteem in the January Oprah Magazine was also an excellent resource in allowing readers to understand the importance of educating the whole child.
Thank you for all your efforts in heightening SEL awareness. I believe that SEL will change the world, one heart at a time!
Cecile Wren
Educational Consultant
Center for Social and Emotional Learning, Faculty Member
Words of wisdom from the author of Emotional Intelligence
Submitted by Wayne Leaver (not verified) on May 6, 2008 - 18:21.
I am responding to Cecile Wren. I too wonder when peopel will "get it" and realize that social skills drive nearly all non-voluntary movements and reactions made by humans. I think we need to down-play competition and create dialogue instead. I further agree with the idea of changing (NCLB)assessments and using some better barometers or indicators for this purpose.
I am a resource teacher in a low-income school in Southern California. The kids are just beautiful and I enjoy my job and the day to day growth I see the kids making. So many people comment on how kind the kids are in the RSP room. It makes me and the para-eduactor int he room proud to know we are teching kids to be decen tpeople and kind souls.
I think change occurs on two levels, local and global or national. We need to make every day in the classroom a POSITIVE experience as often as possible. We also need to change peoples perspective of kids with disabilities. My eye is on the next "Whitehouse" to make this happen. Local communities can do a lot to affect change. The big money comes from Washington.
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