This is the fourth post in a series that highlights the speakers of this year’s 36th Annual Executive Function Conference, which will focus on promoting resilience and equity for ALL students.
This November, we are honored to feature Maurice Elias, Ph.D., who will offer a session on “Social-Emotional Learning and Character Development: The Foundations of Safe and Successful Schools.”
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Executive Function
The COVID-19 pandemic has reframed our understanding of how closely intertwined the cognitive and affective elements of learning truly are. As teachers know, much more than just academic learning happens during the school day. While social-emotional learning curricula are often viewed as separate from academic curricula, all types of learning happen in moments each day that shape students’ character and self-efficacy. As students return to in-person learning this fall, it is crucial that they feel safe and supported in their learning environments.
Dr. Maurice Elias is a professor in the Psychology Department at Rutgers University and co-director of the Academy for SEL in Schools. Dr. Elias also directs the Social-Emotional and Character Development Lab, which aims to develop schools of character, close achievement gaps, and increase student proficiency. Their research-based approach focuses on improving students’ capacity to recognize and manage emotions; solve problems effectively; view others’ perspectives; and establish positive, empathic relationships with others.
At ResearchILD’s 36th Annual Executive Function Conference, Dr. Elias will explain the link between SEL and executive function and how it connects to resilience and equity. Dr. Elias will offer examples of how to embed SEL into various aspects of the school day.
Learn More
You can learn more about Dr. Elias and his work:
- Read his Rutgers faculty profile.
- Watch his Edutopia interview, Emotion in Education.
- Attend ResearchILD’s 36th Annual Executive Function Conference to hear Dr. Elias speak about “Social-Emotional Learning and Character Development: The Foundations of Safe and Successful Schools.”
Caitlin Vanderberg, M.Ed., SMARTS Program Associate
SMARTS Executive Function Curriculum: smarts-ef.org
Research Institute for Learning and Development: researchild.org
The Institute for Learning and Development: ildlex.org