What is the Social-Emotional Learning Network?
The network for social and emotional learning is an informal initiative of the Pragma association that emerged from the "Describe me!" project. The network is informal, does not have legal personality, does not have mandatory membership, nor does it financially bind institutions, associations or individuals. The Network cannot be the bearer of rights and obligations, and joining the Network is voluntary.
Why was the Network for Socio-Emotional Learning founded?
Socio-emotional development is one of the key developmental tasks in a child's life, and learning itself begins from the earliest days until adulthood. Social and emotional learning is a process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy towards others, establish and maintain positive relationships and make responsible decisions. Socio-emotional skills are the basis for functioning in all domains of life. Although parents have the greatest influence on the development of children's socio-emotional skills, factors related to their schooling cannot be ignored, given the amount of time children spend in school while growing up. Clear scientific evidence suggests that work in developing these skills in children leads to a reduction in behavioral and emotional problems, better mental health, positive changes in relationships with others, more positive attitudes towards themselves in the form of greater self-confidence and self-esteem. Also, there is greater attachment to school and teachers, and better academic achievement, persistence and empathy. Therefore, the goal of the Network for Socio-Emotional Learning is to connect educational institutions, associations, social care institutions and individuals in a network of experts interested in social and emotional learning, sharing best practices and experiences in socio-emotional learning. The emphasis is on mutual learning, overcoming obstacles and improving mutual relations between children, professionals and parents.
Who will have access to the Network?
Kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, student dormitories, social welfare institutions, associations, foundations and other civil society organizations, higher education, scientific and other (public and private) institutions, local and regional self-government units, social partners and other legal and natural persons who want to contribute to the goals of the Network.
Is membership of the Network paid?
No, membership is free. Some trainings will be free and exclusively organized for members of the Network, and some will be chargeable (Pragma issues an invoice for the services provided based on its registered economic activity).
What topics will be covered in the work of the Network?
The topics will be adapted for all participants who are involved in the process of socio-emotional learning (students, teachers, professional associates) and therefore the benefit is multiple. In addition to topics related to the creation of a positive school climate, the establishment of quality collegial relationships among school employees, and concrete guidelines for work, a number of topics from the field of social and emotional learning will permeate the network. Some of them are: dealing with emotions, self-control, developing one's own strengths, self-esteem and self-confidence, mental health, developing empathy, preventing aggressive behavior, encouraging prosocial behavior, friendship and cooperation, accepting differences, developing and encouraging assertiveness, but also maintaining motivation, persistence, optimism, problem solving, decision making, encouraging critical thinking, encouraging creativity and curiosity, among many others. We will listen to the needs of teachers, educators, professional associates involved in the Network, and we will also ask children and parents for their opinion.
What are the benefits of educational, social and health institutions in the Network?
Additional education of teachers and professional associates, educators, psychologists, pedagogues, social pedagogues, social workers and other experts contributes to the socio-emotional competence of the experts themselves, which creates a culture and atmosphere of promoting learning and practicing socio-emotional skills, both in institutions and in the community . Experts will have the opportunity to share experiences with colleagues from other organizations, but also receive concrete advice for work from networked experts. In addition, continuous education and support will be provided in the form of workshops so that they feel safe and competent in working with children and young people.
What benefit do students have from socio-emotional learning in the Network?
Students will understand and learn how to manage their own emotions. Likewise, they will understand other people's emotions, develop empathy and compassion, establish positive relationships with peers, teachers and parents. They will learn how to make responsible decisions now, but also later in life. Developed emotional competencies also contribute to later life outcomes such as more successful employment and career, more stable friendships and romantic relationships in adulthood, better coping with stressful situations and preserved mental health in the form of fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety.