Social & Emotional Learning Program

The Social & Emotional Learning program is designed to help students develop strong social and emotional skillsets, which are foundational to motivation in the classroom and classroom management.

Program Description

Students who have strong social and emotional skillsets will be more successful in the classroom and in life in general. This program examines the five SEL competenciesself-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-makingand explores how each of these can be developed first in the classrooms and then in the schools to create optimal learning environments.

Program Details

• Instructor: Karen Lea, Ph.D.
• Grading Method: Letter (Letter)
• Credits: 3
• Department: EDUC (2000)
• Academic Level: K-12 Professionals
• Start/End Dates: 01/12/2026 - 05/08/2026
• Register By: 04/17/2026
• Term: Spring 2026
• Location: Online
• Instruction Mode: Internet Asynchronous (online class)
• Cost: $300

Meeting Pattern

No meeting pattern information is provided.

Course Description

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is teaching life skills that are foundational to motivation in the classroom and classroom management. Students who have strong social and emotional skillsets will be more successful in the classroom and in life in general. In this course, students will first examine what social-emotional learning is, including the research foundational to SEL. While examining the five SEL competencies, you will also investigate how these skill sets can affect families and communities.

Syllabus, Objectives, and Outcomes

Syllabus

The course must be completed and submitted by May 8, 2026.

Objectives

You will:

• Explain the core competencies of SEL.
• Analyze the context and value of SEL.
• Integrate teaching and use of self-awareness knowledge and skills in and outside the classroom.
• Integrate teaching and use of self-management knowledge and skills in and outside the classroom.
• Integrate teaching and use of social awareness knowledge and skills in and outside the classroom.
• Integrate teaching and use of relationship skills knowledge and skills in and outside the classroom.
• Integrate teaching and use of responsible decision-making knowledge and skills in and outside the classroom.
• Communicate SEL competencies and strategies to parents and caretakers.

Materials

Course materials are available online as part of the course.

• Title: Social & Emotional Learning: Optimizing Learning Environments with Life Skills, Dr. Karen Lea

North Dakota State University

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Overview:

North Dakota State University (NDSU) is a public, land-grant, research university located in Fargo, North Dakota. It is a top-ranked R1 institution, known for its commitment to student-focused learning and its dedication to research. NDSU provides affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Admission:

NDSU provides comprehensive admission services, including application assistance, financial aid information, and campus visits.

Academic Programs:

NDSU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.

Campus Life:

NDSU provides a vibrant campus life with various co-curricular activities, dining services, residence life options, and athletic events.

Student Support:

NDSU offers support services such as career advising, counseling, and wellness resources.

Research Opportunities:

NDSU provides ample research opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research projects.

Online Programs:

NDSU offers a variety of online degree programs for students seeking flexible learning options.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

NDSU offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in various co-curricular activities, including clubs, organizations, and sports. The university also provides a variety of dining options, residence halls, and recreational facilities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

NDSU offers an excellent education at an affordable price.

Research Opportunities:

NDSU is a research-intensive university, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.

Hands-on Learning:

NDSU emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with practical experience in their chosen fields.

Strong Faculty:

NDSU has a strong faculty committed to teaching and mentoring students.

Vibrant Campus Life:

NDSU offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community.

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Academic Programs:

NDSU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Agriculture and Biological Systems:

NDSU is a leading institution in agriculture and biological systems, with strong programs in areas such as animal science, plant science, and biotechnology.

Engineering and Architecture:

NDSU offers a variety of engineering and architecture programs, including civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and architecture.

Health Sciences:

NDSU has a strong presence in health sciences, with programs in areas such as nursing, pharmacy, and public health.

Humanities and Social Sciences:

NDSU offers a variety of humanities and social sciences programs, including English, history, and political science.

Business and Economics:

NDSU has a strong business and economics program, with programs in areas such as accounting, finance, and marketing.

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Other:

NDSU is committed to diversity and inclusion, and it offers a variety of resources and programs to support students from diverse backgrounds. The university also has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.