How Social and Emotional Learning Can Bring a Better World | Aritha Wickramasinghe | TEDxColombo

Summary

In a world dominated by violence, inequality, and hate, a transformative solution lies in teaching social and emotional intelligence. The speech highlights the power of early childhood education in shaping empathetic, compassionate, and problem-solving individuals. Through groundbreaking social-emotional learning (SEL) programs, especially in Sri Lanka, children are being equipped with essential values and skills for a peaceful future. The speaker shares powerful stories of children’s transformation, demonstrating the profound impact of SEL. With the promise of generational change, this movement offers hope for a better world where empathy and equality prevail.

Takeaways

• 😀 The current education system is outdated, built for the needs of the 19th-century Industrial Revolution, focusing mainly on academic subjects rather than human values.
• 😀 Violence, sexism, racism, and hate are prevalent issues worldwide, with disturbing statistics about crime and abuse.
• 😀 Social and emotional learning (SEL) can help address societal issues by teaching children empathy, compassion, equality, and critical thinking.
• 😀 Neuroscience shows that 75% of a child's brain develops between ages 3 to 7, making this period critical for teaching values that shape personality and worldview.
• 😀 Early education in social and emotional skills increases the likelihood of academic success, reduces the chances of criminal activity, and improves life outcomes.
• 😀 Despite the proven benefits of SEL, there were no comprehensive curricula to teach it, prompting the creation of a new curriculum focused on emotional and social intelligence.
• 😀 The first SEL curriculum was developed in collaboration with Montessori, universities, child psychologists, and neuroscientists, and is being piloted in 18 countries.
• 😀 SEL is taught through engaging methods like play, storytelling, and games, making learning enjoyable and effective for children.
• 😀 Sri Lanka became the first country to pilot and roll out SEL in all schools, aiming to build a more empathetic and peaceful future generation.
• 😀 The power of SEL is evident in real stories, such as a child learning to accept themselves despite physical challenges and another child mediating family conflicts by applying problem-solving skills.
• 😀 By teaching children to be empathetic and solution-oriented, SEL can create a generation of compassionate leaders who will change the world for the better.

Q & A

What is the main message of the speaker's presentation?

The main message is that social and emotional learning (SEL) can create a more empathetic, peaceful, and just society. By teaching children core values like empathy, kindness, and critical thinking from an early age, we can change mindsets and pave the way for future generations to solve problems more compassionately.

How does the speaker highlight the need for change in society?

The speaker emphasizes the alarming statistics about violence and crime, particularly in Sri Lanka, where crimes against women and other violent offenses are on the rise. This is used to show that traditional methods, like relying solely on the law, have not been effective in addressing the root causes of societal issues.

What role does education play in solving societal problems, according to the speaker?

Education plays a crucial role by fostering social and emotional intelligence in children. The speaker argues that by teaching empathy, kindness, and problem-solving skills, children can grow up to be better equipped to handle conflict and contribute positively to society, leading to systemic change.

What is social and emotional learning (SEL)?

SEL refers to the process of teaching children skills like empathy, kindness, critical thinking, and conflict resolution. It helps children become more aware of their emotions, better understand others, and handle relationships more effectively, which contributes to a more peaceful and just society.

How does the speaker explain the concept of ‘neuroscience’ in relation to SEL?

The speaker refers to neuroscience to underline the importance of early childhood development. Neuroscience shows that 75% of a child's brain development happens between the ages of 3 to 7, making this period critical for shaping their values, worldview, and emotional regulation. This is why early SEL education is so vital.

What is the significance of the study supported by the US Department of Education?

The study tracked children over 20 years and found that those with higher social competency were more likely to succeed academically, finish school, and hold stable jobs. It also revealed that children with lower social competency had higher chances of engaging in criminal behavior and substance abuse.

Why was Sri Lanka chosen as the first country to pilot this SEL curriculum?

Sri Lanka was chosen because of its historical context, particularly the aftermath of the civil war, which stemmed from a lack of empathy and equality. The speaker hopes that by implementing SEL, Sri Lanka can lead the world in creating a generation capable of understanding and resolving conflicts peacefully.

Can you provide an example of how SEL is being implemented in Sri Lanka’s schools?

One example shared by the speaker is the use of a curriculum that teaches children to reflect on themselves positively, such as a three-and-a-half-year-old girl who, after learning SEL principles, was able to look at herself in the mirror and say, 'I like my face,' despite previously being self-conscious due to a medical condition.

How does the speaker suggest that children learn SEL skills effectively?

The speaker suggests that children learn best through experience, rather than traditional methods like lectures. The SEL curriculum uses play, storytelling, and games to teach children critical skills such as empathy, problem-solving, and critical thinking in an engaging and interactive way.

What is the broader impact of SEL on society, according to the speaker?

The speaker believes that by teaching SEL, we can create a generation of empathetic, compassionate, and critical thinkers who can solve problems peacefully. This shift in mindset has the potential to transform not just individuals, but entire nations, leading to lasting peace and societal progress.