PBL+SEL: Taking On the Bullies

Safety threats are rising at schools, and folks look to Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs to help.  Great idea!  But SEL doesn’t happen in isolation. Project Based Learning (PBL) creates and supports SEL and its inherent kindness in classrooms in several ways.  Over the next few posts, this blog will explore those specifics of success.  Today, we examine Feedback.

But first, grim statistics:

• Every 7 minutes a child is bullied at the playground.
• The rate of an adult interaction during a bullying episode is 4%
• The rate of a peer getting involved during a situation is 11%  
• No interaction or involvement at all stands at a solid 85%
• (STOMP Out Bullying, 2021)

These stats scream that our children’s mental health needs intelligent, action-oriented attention!!  PBL projects can get students to examine the causes and consequences of bullying and encourage them to generate their own solutions for change.  PBL encourages organic development of SEL competencies by students through working together to accomplish a common goal.  Obviously, to be successful requires teamwork, communication and empathy toward others’ perspectives through real-world problem solving. 

An important piece of PBL that doesn’t get a lot of air time is feedback.  Realistically, anyone is only as good as the feedback they receive.  Our feedback shapes our behaviors.  Importantly, PBL involves regular feedback from teachers and peers throughout the project. By receiving constructive feedback and praise, students learn to be more resilient and confident in their abilities. They are more likely to show kindness and support to their classmates and encourage them to do their best.

Overall, PBL creates a classroom environment that supports kindness and fosters a sense of community among students. It encourages them to work together, appreciate the contributions of others, and develop a sense of empathy towards others. These skills are essential for creating a supportive and kind classroom environment where students can thrive as well as a society to which folks want to belong.