St. Joseph’s Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh, hosted a One-Day Capacity Building Programme on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) under the aegis of CBSE, Centre of Excellence (CoE), Panchkula. The programme brought together 60 educators for an intensive professional engagement aimed at strengthening the social and emotional dimensions of teaching and creating classrooms that are responsive to the needs of every learner.
The programme was conducted by Resource Persons Mrs Ranjana Bharadwaj and Mrs Monica Chawla, Principal, St. Joseph’s Senior Secondary School. The day opened on an interactive note with a circle of self-introduction, setting the tone for collaboration, reflection and shared learning. Through a carefully structured progression of discussions, demonstrations and hands-on activities, the Resource Persons explored the core principles of SEL and their relevance to contemporary classrooms.
Beginning with the SEL Iceberg Model, the sessions encouraged educators to look beyond observable student behaviour and understand the emotions, experiences and needs that often lie beneath it. The programme subsequently explored practical SEL strategies for classroom management, student engagement and overcoming disengagement, with particular attention to adapting these approaches across different stages of schooling.
A significant segment focused on integrating SEL into everyday subject teaching. Emotion mapping through storytelling, collaborative problem-solving, reflective journalling and structured peer feedback demonstrated how social and emotional competencies can be woven naturally into regular classroom pedagogy rather than treated as stand-alone interventions.
The programme moved from understanding and application to purposeful action through self-assessment and strategic SEL Action Planning. Participants reflected upon existing practices, identified areas requiring attention and explored practical ways of translating their learning into sustainable classroom interventions.
Drawing upon her dual role as Principal and Resource Person, Mrs Chawla emphasised the importance of professional development that enables educators to address the learner holistically, bringing academic growth, emotional well-being and human connection into the same educational space.
The programme concluded with reflection and interaction, reinforcing the understanding that meaningful education extends beyond academic achievement to nurturing self-aware, empathetic, resilient and responsible individuals. The initiative also reflected the Management’s sustained commitment to empowering educators through purposeful professional development and progressive pedagogical practices.
