On 30th November, 2016, BRAC Institute of Educational Development (BIED) conducted the second edition of its ‘Student-Led Seminar’. The seminar aims to be a platform for experts, professionals and researchers, working in the area of education and cross-cutting issues. Among the audience members were representatives and officials from UNICEF, Population Council, BRAC International, BRAC Skills Development, as well as faculty members, researchers and officials of BIED.
The theme of the seminar was Socio-Emotional Learning and its importance. Ms. Rafiath Rashid, Program Manager, Education, BRAC International and a graduate of BIED’s Master of Science in Early Childhood Development (MSc in ECD) program, presented her Master’s Thesis, titled, ‘Exploring Play-Based Pedagogy In Children’s Social and Emotional Development in NGO-Run Pre-Primary Schools in Dhaka’. Ms. Rashid discussed the lack of free play for children, and the limited role of teachers in play-related activities in educational institutions. She also showcased the absence of activities that foster the emotional development and self-worth of students and highlighted the negative perception among mothers regarding play and outdoor play activities.
Ms. Rashid’s study recommended capacity building of teachers working on play-based learning; longer periods of free play; designing a curriculum that incorporates socio-emotional learning of students as well as parental education.
An engaging discussion regarding the perception of play and learning followed, intending to take forward the practice and promotion of socio-emotional learning in early years.