Cognitive Development Current Research and Pedagogical Approach

Summary

The video script discusses the significance of social and emotional development in education, highlighting two key research studies. The first, from Child Trends, explores the impact of supportive non-family adults on high school students' academic success and behavior, affirming the Youth Connect theory of change. The second research, conducted in Washington DC during the pandemic, underscores the importance of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) for student well-being and academic performance, advocating for its integration into education policy to support recovery from the pandemic's effects.

Takeaways

• 📚 The research 'Relationships with Caring Adults and Social and Emotional Strengths' links positive relationships with adults to high school academic achievement.
• 🔗 The Youth Connect theory of change was tested, suggesting that positive relationships with adults lead to higher academic self-efficacy and better school engagement.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The study involved 721 participants, with parental consent to access academic records, highlighting the importance of consent in research.
• 👨‍🏫 The presence of a supportive non-family member is associated with positive social, emotional, and academic outcomes in students.
• 🚫 Students who avoid risky behaviors and have better anger management skills tend to have improved attendance and higher grades.
• 🌟 The development of relationships with caring adults, social and emotional competencies, and the reduction of risky behaviors are interrelated and predict positive academic outcomes.
• 🏫 The pandemic has led to a decline in student performance and a decrease in social and emotional well-being, emphasizing the need for SEL (Social and Emotional Learning).
• 🌱 SEL is now considered as critical as academic competencies, with traits like empathy and resilience being essential for daily life.
• 🏛️ Washington DC is prioritizing SEL in education policy, aiming to make whole child education the norm to aid in pandemic recovery.
• 📈 Implementing diagnostic assessments and strategies to bolster social and emotional strengths can improve educational outcomes.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the first research mentioned in the transcript?

The main focus of the first research is the relationship between having caring adults in a student's life and the development of social and emotional strengths, which are related to high school academic achievement.

What is the Youth Connect theory of change, and how does it relate to the research?

The Youth Connect theory of change anticipates that students who have a positive relationship with at least one adult will have higher academic self-efficacy, be more engaged in school, have lower rates of substance use, and have higher GPAs, leading to promotion to the next grade.

Who are the target participants of the Youth Connect research, and what data was accessed?

The target participants are 721 high school students, 60% of whom are female and 40% are male, in either the 11th or 12th grade. Their parents or guardians gave permission for Child Trends to access their academic records, including grades, attendance, and suspensions.

What role do non-academic factors play in academic outcomes according to the research?

Non-academic factors are associated with academic outcomes, as students who avoid risky behaviors, have better anger management skills, are more engaged in school, and have peers who want to go to college tend to have better attendance and higher grades.

What is the significance of the second research titled 'Learning during the pandemic'?

This research highlights the impact of the pandemic on student performance and social and emotional well-being, emphasizing the need for social and emotional learning (SEL) to be prioritized in education policy.

How has the pandemic affected children's mental health and academic performance?

The pandemic has led to reduced student performance and limited social and emotional well-being, with increased reports of adversity, food insecurity, and mental health-related emergency room visits among children.

What is the importance of SEL in the context of the pandemic?

SEL is crucial as it encompasses patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are critical for student development and academic success. The pandemic has emphasized the need to elevate the importance of SEL to support children's mental health and overall well-being.

What actions are being taken in Washington, DC, to address the findings of the 'Learning during the pandemic' research?

Washington, DC, is placing SEL prominently in the upcoming education policy agenda, aiming to make whole child education the norm, which is expected to boost recovery from the pandemic and help rebuild a better education system.

What are some of the strategies being adopted to support students' social and emotional strengths and needs?

Strategies include diagnostic assessments to inform teachers about students' social and emotional development, as well as the adoption of strategies to bolster children's social and emotional strengths and address their needs.

What is the anticipated outcome of implementing SEL in education policy in Washington, DC?

The anticipated outcome is a significant boost to recovery from the pandemic, helping to rebuild a better education system that supports the whole child, including their social, emotional, and academic development.