A Critical Approach to Social Emotional Learning Instruction Through Community-Based Service Learning

Abstract

The traditional teaching of reading, writing, and arithmetic alone will not fully prepare students to lead with integrity, govern fairly, analyze problems, and work collectively with people different from themselves. Social emotional learning (SEL) has been described as one of the missing links in academic education, but a restrictive approach to SEL instruction focuses primarily on emotional and behavioral containment rather than development of active citizenry. Out-of-school programs that provide opportunities for youths to conduct community service learning projects, however, can be a valued resource for supporting critical social emotional learning and social political development. The Chicago Freedom School (CFS) is one such program. This article features the voices of youths’ ages 14–16 who participated in CFS during the 2008–2009 Freedom Fellowship, using content analysis. It also discusses future implications for school mental health professionals and SEL instruction.

School‐Based Positive Youth Development: A Systematic Review of the Literature

“…The literature review includes a total of 23 peer reviewed articles. The 23 papers include 12 PYD classroom‐based lessons that explicitely targeted PYD, 9 youth leadership program evaluations, and 2 mentorship programs . Whereas the specific formats of each program vary, each school‐based program is designed to foster PYD in the participants.…”

“…Students participating in these programs receive lectures on, eg, emotional and social skills and then participate in small group activities. Nine of the identified articles engage students through a leadership model in which participants assume leadership roles outside of the classroom . Whereas the tasks performed by leaders in each program differ, every program provides students with leadership roles to increase the students' social responsibilities and perception of themselves as agents of change.…”

“…Youth leadership programs assign student leaders to work in small groups with teachers either after or in school . Every program asks student leaders to engage their student body in various ways throughout the year either through running a canned food drive, teaching other students about HIV, or raising awareness about healthy eating .…”

“…Every program asks student leaders to engage their student body in various ways throughout the year either through running a canned food drive, teaching other students about HIV, or raising awareness about healthy eating . Programs range in length, from meeting twice a week for 12 weeks out of the year to 6 months or as long as the student chooses to remain a member of the organization …”

“…Several of the identified programs provide skills‐based training before asking students to step into a leadership role . For example, a 12‐week civic engagement program for middle school students in Chicago schools divides the course into 3 segments, including an introduction to promote group bonding, “getting informed” to increase awareness of social justice issues, and a “getting involved” piece.…”