Social-Emotional Learning: Responsible Decision-Making

Observing collaboration in nature is always amazing: I see this lichen in the spring with beautiful gray-purple colors, and soon again it goes back into hiding. But it is the collaboration of algae and fungi, often also yeasts and bacteria. that makes lichens possible. Lichens are how we learned about symbiosis (close, long-term between organisms or species). 

We don't need to be in a symbiotic relationship, but choosing to collaborate (instead to compete) increases our chances for success in most situations. 

In Finnish we call these lichens as “Nahkajäkälä” - nahka meaning the leather or just a leathery look and feel and jäkälä meaning lichen - and I have always found lichens so interesting ever since I learned about their symbiotic nature. 

I think Responsible Decision-Making is a lifelong process to master. We certainly want to start teaching it early, but as it is tied to our Executive Function skills (EF), we cannot expect people to master it before they turn 21 - and there is a lot of individual variation, too. Here is a great definition of EF: 

Executive functioning skills refer to the brain-based, cognitive processes that 

help us to regulate our behavior, make decisions and set and achieve goals [1]

What is one thing that we can choose to collaborate on, instead of competing for it? In my work it has been the realization that supporting the success of my colleagues is much more beneficial than trying to compete with them.

How about you?

:)

Nina

[1] https://learn.mciu.org/the-intersection-of-executive-functioning-skills-and-social-emotional-learning-starting-with-the-brain/

Social-Emotional Learning: Self-Management

I think Self-Management is a life-long project. Being aware of ourselves and our assets and challenges is an important first step, but investing in our relationship to self is a great next step. 

Managing emotions and realizing when to turn away from a challenge keeps us safe. Unfortunately, there was nothing we could do to help this jellyfish on the beach.

Big waves (like sudden changes and tragedies) can shake us too, and make us feel like we have lost our footing, which is why SEL instruction is so very important protective factor. 

Fortunately, today I see SEL being part of all levels of education: CASEL   Another great tool is this beautiful Inner Development  Framework to support our self-transformation.