Teaching Positive Social Skills to Students (prev #: EDU-506YG) - EDU-X702A

Course Description

Strengthen Positive Social Skills in Your Students for Success in Class

Studies indicate the development of social and emotional skills can positively affect student achievement and success in school and later in life. Our Teaching Positive Social Skills to Students course examines the research and best practices for instilling positive and sustainable social skills in your students. Participants will develop a toolkit of resources for teaching and promoting the development of students' self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making.

This course is also applicable toward the Effective Classroom Management Solutions Certificate and the Character Education Development Certificate course requirements.

What is the Teaching Social Skills Course For?

This course is designed for educators who teach any subject for grades K–12.

Social Skills Covered in this Course

Our Teaching Social Skills in the Classroom course covers a wide variety of social and emotional skills, but our curriculum will prioritize the instruction of the expert-recommended 12 most important social skills. Those skills are:

1. Sharing

2. Cooperating

3. Listening

4. Following Directions

5. Personal Space

6. Eye Contact

7. Manners

8. Self-Awareness

9. Self-Management

10. Social Awareness

11. Relationship Skills

12. Decision-Making

Teaching Social Skills Course Instructors

Jerry Goldberg: Jerry Goldberg, Ph.D., received his doctorate from the University of Michigan. As Associate Professor of Education, Dr. Goldberg received his university tenure from the University of Detroit Mercy and held the positions of Director of Elementary Education and Technology Specialist. He taught a wide range of technology applications, primary and secondary methodology, administrative, and cross-cultural courses for educators and administrators. In addition, he co-authored and was project director for the quarter of a million-dollar collaborative grant, "Tools for the Mind: Supporting Mindwork with Technology," which focused on equity of access in technology. Dr. Goldberg holds elementary, secondary, and administration certifications and has taught in the K–12 sector, along with teaching at the university and community college levels for over 25 years. He has taught a variety of online courses at the University of San Diego since 2001. He is presently working on a book concerning the whole child and brain development.

Social Skills Course Frequently Asked Questions

What are social skills and why are they important?

Social skills are the skills we use every day to interact and communicate with others. They include verbal and non-verbal communication, such as speech, gesture, facial expression, and body language. These skills are critical as students learn how to form and sustain relationships, interact with peers, and contribute to a positive environment.

How can I tell if my students need help with social skills?

There are dozens of potential indicators that a student needs help with their social skills, but some of the most common to look for include:

• Avoiding eye contact

• Frequent interruption of others

• Unable to sustain a conversation

• Lack of interest in and communication with others

• Not understanding personal space

Is online learning right for me?

Our online courses offer the same high-quality content and expert instruction as the courses held on-campus at the University of San Diego. Instructors facilitate courses through engaging multimedia presentations and provide prompt feedback to questions within a 24-48 hour timeframe. This online format allows students to interact with classmates worldwide and replicate in-classroom interactions through weekly discussion forums, chats, and email communication. See more information about online learning through the University of San Diego.

Accreditation

The University of San Diego’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges – Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Learner Outcomes

After completing our Teaching Positive Social Skills to Students course, learners will be able to:

• Explain the impact of positive social skills on student success in school and later in life.
• Identify best practices and instructional strategies for teaching students self-awareness, social-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, and responsible decision making
• Design a toolkit for teaching students positive social skills

Course Details

Number of Units: 3.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Course Materials: All materials for this course are included in the online course

Technical Requirements

Testimonials

"I learned a lot of valuable information that I will use with my students." -- Melanie Kim Wiess, Educator, Los Angeles Unified School District, CA

"I really enjoyed this course, I learned a lot and feel I can apply it to my work." -- Kimber Azevedo, Educator, Janesville Elementary School, Janesville, CA

"This course is great if you are someone who deals with people of all ages. It gives great advice, communication skills, and all the aspects of interacting with others in a positive way. This will definitely help anyone!" -- Jolene Thompson, Waterford Unified School District, Waterford, CA

"This was one of the best courses I have taken so far." -- Saundra Benson, Educator, Los Angeles Unified School District, CA

"Great course and the assignments are valuable resources that can be used in the classroom." -- Kineiko Woodson, Educator, Fort Bragg Schools

Applies Towards the Following Certificate(s), Professional Programs and Series

• Effective Classroom Management Solutions Certificate : Courses - Complete these 3 required courses:
• Professional Teachers Program Series : Courses - Enroll in One or More