Evaluating Models of SEL.

Perhaps we can start with “Models” that give us some insight into how a particular “model” gives us sufficient detail to form an opinion about its usefulness to a particular teacher/class.

I am going to start with…   I CAN PROBLEM SOLVE by Myrna Shure  

AGES: Booklets for Preschool, K-1, and Elementary Grades   (Available from Amazon as “used” copies.  The following quotes are from the Elementary Grade Edition.        Ability range (80-120+IQ) Page 3.                                                                                       

AREAS of FOCUS: “Problems they have with other children”:  “….we have learned that, as early as age 4, youngsters who learn how to use ICPS skills in time become less impatient, over-emotional, and aggressive, as well as better liked and more concerned about their peers in distress.  Over inhibited youngsters become more outgoing, better able to express their feelings, and more like to enter into activities with others…” (Page 1, Introduction)

TIME FRAMES:  “Teachers report that, with the first few weeks most children begin to adopt ICPS concepts outside of formal training, especially words describing people’s feelings.” (Page 1)

Begin the program as early as possible in the school year…Some teachers have integrated ICPS into their lesson plans for one 40-45 minute period three times a week.” With this schedule…”sufficient to complete the entire series well within the school year.”(Page 6)

Number of Lessons:  77, divided into 2 groups: Pre-Problem Solving Skills (1-36) and Problem-Solving Skills (37-77)

DIALOGUE.  “Central to the ICPS program is the process of problem-solving dialoguing…” (Page 8) 

Basic Principles of ICPS Dialogue:          

                      

                “First, both child and teacher must identify the problem.”…

                “Second, when dialoguing, it is important to understand and deal with the real problem…”

                “Third, once the real problem has been identified, the teacher must not alter it to fit his or her own needs.”….

                “Fourth, the child not the teacher must solve the problem.”…

                “Finally, the focus is on how the child thinks, not on what he thinks (in other words, the specific conclusions he comes to”….

RESEARCH:    20 years of school-based research.  References included. 

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

*Simplicity, including the *Clarity of lesson format and range of materials

*Flexibility (“Feel free to adapt the wording or content of any lesson.”

*Can be class based

*Refer to the lessons as “games” or “activities”