THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL CONNECTION IN SCHOOL
Social connection is defined as the interpersonal and interdependent closeness between people, resulting in a sense of belonging. Notably, it is not the number of or proximity to friends, or the frequency of interactions with others. Rather, social connection expresses the positivity and closeness that an individual perceives in their interactions with others. Social connection is a sense of trust and belonging in one’s community. It is a feeling of being accepted and appreciated for one’s best qualities, rather than tolerated or ignored. Common themes associated with social connection include an ability to be one’s authentic self and a comfortable sense of peace. Because cognitive processes are inextricably linked in the brain to emotional ones, social connection is a necessary precondition for learning and wellbeing.ing. Notably, it is no
Why is it important for students?
In broad terms, social connection is critical to physical and mental wellbeing. A feeling of closeness to others increases longevity and strengthens the immune system, whereas a lack of social connectedness has been found to be more harmful to one’s health than high blood pressure, smoking, or obesity. In educational contexts, social connection is especially critical. While it was once thought to have been incidental to learning and cognition, it is increasingly evident from neuroscientific research that a sense of belonging has a profound effect on the knowledge and skills that students can learn, retain, and apply.
Social connection is crucial for learning
When students have weak social connections, learning is limited through reduced executive function. Executive function serves as the command center of the brain which nimbly sorts and applies new learning. It is depressed by the stress and cognitive load caused by low social connection, and the following capacities are greatly diminished.
* Organisation, planning, & time management.
* Working memory and attention.
* Flexible transfer of knowledge & skills.
Social connection is important for mental and physical health and wellbeing
Students with poor social connections are more prone and more sensitive to the effects of the following:
- Social threat and bullying.
- Depression & anxiety.
- Substance abuse.
- Health issues.
Characteristics of a socially connected student
A socially connected student:
- Looks forward to going to school
- Feels that they are liked and accepted for who they are at school
- Feels close to teachers, staff, and peers at school
- Feels like a valued part of the school
- Feels that they are part of the decision-making process on issues that matter to them and affect them
- Cares what the teacher thinks of them and cares about the teacher’s wellbeing
- Trusts that their teacher and other adults in the school care about their wellbeing and academic progress and will help them when they need it
- Takes on the values and culture of the school.
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