Social Skills in the Diversity era – Cultivating social skills, diversity and participation in the classroom

Educators are often called to handle different challenges working with different types of learners. Some of them can easily build their social relationships; others are very introvert, competitive or even aggressive. Some have self-control and some others may have difficulties regulating their emotions. Some tend to be leaders, while others hesitate to express their opinion.

Different aspects influence social development. According to experts, social development correlates with the child’s and adolescent’s environment. Psychologists and social scientists underline that social skills can, and should, be taught. One of the basic roles of education is to cultivate interpersonal skills and to contribute to a participative, democratic society. Aside from that, providing social skills and participation supports students in having better course performances and a more solid self-image. They experience teamwork, learn to manage their emotions, adopt solving problems strategies, become more empathetic and learn to manage conflicts.

This course aims to train teachers in helping students acquire social skills. Teaching social skills can be compared to teaching academics. The first step involves knowing where to start. The parents, siblings, teachers, peers and the child can provide information about social skills that need to be addressed. Direct observation, checklists, social skills scales, functional behavior assessment, identifying solutions to problem scenarios and reports are useful tools.

• Provide insights into different aspects of social development.
• Learn how to teach the content of children rights in the classroom throughexperiential, participative learning.
• Encourage teachers to engage learners in practicallearning mechanisms through a participative, inclusive and creative approach.
• Promote diversity awareness.
• Share experiences and good practices in the fields of experiential and collaborating learning.
• Develop effective communication strategies to empower the relationships in the Classroom.
• Learn conflict management and anti-bullying techniques.
• Strengthen self-consciousness and emotional intelligence of the students.