Our SEL concentration in the HDLC M.Ed. program is for students with an interest in learning more about theories, research, and practice in the area of social and emotional learning.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process of learning and developing an awareness of feelings and emotions, and co-constructing with others around us the competencies and practices to recognize and navigate emotions in relationships within and across various contexts. Social and emotional learning emerges through our identities and how we are identified by others, as well as our social locations. In addition, it shapes how we care for and with others, how we establish and maintain positive and enriching relationships, and how we engage in responsible decision making and problem solving. SEL competencies can be generalized across all areas of life as they comprise the foundational skills for positive health practices and interpersonal relationships, civic engagement, and educational outcomes.
We draw upon interdisciplinary and cultural perspectives that centre languages and diverse ways of knowing, feeling, being, and doing as shaping and shaped by SEL. Our aim is to prepare educators and other practitioners across contexts with a holistic understanding of children, youth, and adults that provides the framework and tools to build culturally relevant relationships and approaches that lead to a strong sense of community. Our courses include attention to culture and Indigeneity, social justice, and interdisciplinary strengths-based approaches as reflected in HDLC’s Mission and Vision.
There is no thesis requirement.
Interested in learning more? Please take a moment to review the social and emotional learning resources available at the SEL Resource Finder site.
Please be aware of and schedule the following prerequisites as needed, as these courses should be taken early in your degree and do not count towards fulfilling your program credit requirements.
Students with no previous coursework on research methods prior to starting an M.A. in HDLC will be required to take prerequisite courses: EPSE 481 (3) Introduction to Research in Education and EPSE 482 (3) Introduction to Statistics for Research in Education.
Students with no previous coursework on developmental sciences prior to starting an M.A. in HDLC will be required to take a prerequisite course: EPSE 462 (3): Human Development in Education.