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
- CASEL. (2020). https://casel.org/
- Domitrovich, C. E., Weissberg, R., & Gullotta, T. (2015). Handbook of social and emotional learning: Research and practice. The Guilford Press. Chapters 1-2, 4, 26-27
- Edgar, S. N. (2017). Music education and social emotional learning: The heart of teaching music. GIA Publications.
- Edgar, S. N., (2021). Portraits of music education and social emotional learning. GIA Publications. https://www.westmusic.com/music-books-resources/music-classroom-books-materials/orff-schulwerk/805091
- Varner, E. (2020). General music learning is also social and emotional learning. National Association for Music Education, 33(2), 74-78. https://doi.org/10.1177/1048371319891421
- Varner, E. (2021). General music and SEL: A matter of equity. General Music Today. 1-3. https://doi.org/10.1177/10483713211018451
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 IntroductionInformation and policies for students in the course and registering instructions for credit through CSU. This lesson module requires approximately 1 hour to complete. |
Introduction to SEL and Music EducationDr. Tiffany will walk you through the information you will need for the course and Final Project. This lesson module will require approximately 1 hour to complete. |
What is Social Emotional LearningWelcome 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 5 hours to complete. |
SEL and Cultural ImplicationsThis lesson module requires approximately 4 hours to complete. |
SEL and Music EducationThis 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 4 hours to complete. |
The Value of SEL in Music EducationThis lesson module requires approximately 4 hours to complete. |
SEL StrategiesThis lesson module requires approximately 4 hours to complete. |
Quality versus QuantityQuality 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 4 hours to complete. |
Game PlanIt 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. |
PresentationIt 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 CompletionFinal important information for the student including CSU Transcripts and accessing grades. |
Introduction to SEL and Music EducationDr. Tiffany will walk you through the information you will need for the course and Final Project. This lesson module requires approximately 1 hour to complete. |
Completion
The following certificates are awarded when the class is completed:
MCED Graduate Course Certificate of Completion - ED 501 3 Credit |