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Social-Emotional Learning and Music Education - Spring 2025


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Music ConstructED Online Learning
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Course Description

Social emotional learning (SEL) has become an incredible resource in music education. New research is demonstrating that when applied specifically to music education, it creates incredible results in both student musical growth and SEL skills. This course will not only present a clear understanding of the history and philosophy of both SEL but will also present data findings as to why it is vital within the music classroom.

Each of the readings and projects completed in this course directly supports the creation of a teacher philosophy and implementation of SEL within the music education classroom.

Instructor

Tiffany Wilson

Course Credit/Hours

ED 501 - 1 Credit Hours

The student workload is approximately 37.5 hours

Dates

Spring 2025: January 13th - April 4th

SKU: GC1SELME-012025

Course Objectives

In this course, learners will: 

  • Explain the history, philosophy, and function of social emotional learning as it applies to music education.
  • Explain the functionality and importance of utilizing SEL within the music classroom.
  • Create a list of functional SEL strategies from the three domains of Identity, Belonging, and Agency.
  • Implementation of SEL strategies for all three domains of Identity, Belonging, and Agency within one pre-created lesson plan (this can come from another publishing/author source) 
  • Create an authentic SEL-embedded Lesson Plan that utilizes strategies from the three domains of Identity, Belonging, and Agency.
  • Create a teacher philosophy presentation on SEL and music education.

Prerequisites

Bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate in the area of music.

Required Readings

Course Format & Requirements

Our courses utilize a custom Learning Management System (LMS). Our Music ConstructEd Online Courses are asynchronous and self-paced. You can correspond with your instructor and submit all assignments within the LMS. A syllabus with a suggested pacing guide will be emailed to you at the start of the class.

  • Teachers will need their own devices with a stable internet connection to access the digital Learning Management System (LMS) which is provided by Music ConstructED.
  • Access to Microsoft Word and PowerPoint or Google Docs and Google Slides (you can register for a free Google account if you do not already have one).
  • A microphone within the computer device (external or internal) is to be used with the recording sections of homework.

Online Activities will include:

  • Videos for each weekly assignment will provide instructional guidance from the instructor and will unpack each week’s readings and course objectives to prepare and equip teachers for their assignments.
  • Course readings will include book chapters, articles, and a dissertation.
  • Online assignments and projects will be assigned weekly and will directly align with the student learning and final project.
  • Padlet assignment via the website (Week 1)
  • Recorded Presentation as part of the final project (Final Project, Week 8)

Refund Policy:

Within 14 days: For a period of 14 days before the start of the course, a full refund will be given on the total amount of tuition fees paid, less processing fees and registrar fees, at the time of cancellation. The student must notify Music ConstructED in writing via email or letter received on or before the 14-day period. If you apply for a refund within 14 days of the course start date, our refund policy does not apply. However, you can transfer to a different MCED course by paying the registration fee of $60 per graduate credit.

Here is the class outline:

Graduate Course Introduction

Information and policies for students in the course and registering instructions for credit through CSU. This lesson module requires approximately 1.5 hours to complete.

What is Social Emotional Learning

Welcome to Module Week One! This week we will not only get to know each other with a fun Padlet assignment, but we will also examine the history, philosophy, and five domains of social emotional learning. We will explore the value surrounding this educational element within education, and how the state of Illinois has implemented educational standards surrounding them. Watch the instructor's video and enjoy the valuable reading materials as you navigate through this module. Assignments this week will include a Summary and Reflection paper, as well as a Teacher Philosophy presentation that examines your thoughts and ideas surrounding SEL.This lesson module requires approximately 16 hours to complete.

Digging Deeper

This week digs deeper into SEL as it specifically fits within the educational framework of music education. Dr. Scott Edgar’s readings provide an incredible opportunity to understand how invaluable SEL strategies and activities are within music education. Take time to explore the readings and SEL strategy examples within the chapters. Please also watch the instructor’s video for a breakdown of this week’s module. Lastly, information will be examined through the application of a Summary and Reflection paper, as well as a Teacher Philosophy presentation. This lesson module requires approximately 13 hours to complete.

What is Orff Schulwerk

Module three introduces the history and philosophy of the Orff approach within music education. It examines the four unique phases that make up the scaffolded experience of Orff lessons. This unit also examines some examples of Orff-based lessons and includes valuable reading material to further expand on a beginning understanding of this unique method of music education. This week’s module also includes a Google Slides presentation that breaks down the information. Lastly, two assignments apply all the knowledge learned with a Summary and Reflection paper and a Teacher Philosophy presentation. This lesson module requires approximately 16 hours to complete.

Embedding SEL and Orff

This week’s module is incredibly insightful as it examines the research and data surrounding SEL and Orff. Learn about how both philosophies are so organically connected and uniquely fit together to create a tapestry for incredible music and SEL growth. Enjoy both the readings and instructor video as you prepare to write your summary and reflection as well as a Teacher Philosophy presentation. This lesson module requires approximately 26 hours to complete.

How to Deconstruct and Reassemble an SEL-Embedded Orff Lesson

Module five examines the process of disassembling and then embedding SEL strategies into Orff-based lesson plans. The three-part process includes the dissection of a lesson, with the implementation of SEL strategies from the three categories of Identity, Belonging, and Agency. A short list of resources is included in this module, along with SEL goals from each of the three categories (Identity, Belonging, and Agency). There is a reading selection and a Google Slides presentation to further your knowledge and prepare you for an application of knowledge, which consists of a summary and reflection paper, as well as a list of SEL strategies and activities. This lesson module requires approximately 11 hours to complete.

Quality versus Quantity

Quality versus quantity lesson plans are examined in this module. You are invited to reflect on the value of Orff-focused lessons that are hand-crafted to create a uniquely inclusive learning environment that provides quality music and SEL opportunities for growth. The instructor’s video and readings will prepare a positive learning environment for the application of a Summary and Reflection paper, as well as two Orff-based lessons created that contain SEL strategies/activities. This lesson module requires approximately 11 hours to complete.

Game Plan

It is time to put it all together! We are at the finish line and all the knowledge we have learned will be applied to a final project lesson plan that involves the creation of an Orff-based lesson and SEL strategies embedded into its core structure. There will be time to reflect, apply, and reflect again as these final steps occur. Please choose your reading assignments as well as the Google Slides presentation. Assignments for this week include a digital recording of your final lesson plan ideas and how you plan to implement the SEL strategies and activities into your Orff lesson. You will also continue working on your final assignment and submit a rough draft with clear direction on how you will implement Identity, Belonging, and Agency into your lesson. This lesson module requires approximately 8 hours to complete.

Presentation

It is presentation time! Prepare a thorough recording of your Google Slides presentation. Walk through the entire process of your lesson and its implementation. Also submit a hard copy of your final lesson, as well as a timeline/goal on how you will reconstruct your classroom lessons to focus on an SEL-embedded Orff approach. This lesson module requires approximately 10 hours to complete.

Graduate Course Completion

Final important information for the student including CSU Transcripts and accessing grades.

Completion

The following certificates are awarded when the class is completed:

MCED Graduate Course Certificate of Completion - ED 501 3 Credit
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