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Researchers from UW-Madison share 'Three Things' to Know About Their Work

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Researchers and faculty from the University of Wisconsin–Madison aim to reach a broader audience through the new “Three Things” video series. The series, created by The Wisconsin Evaluation Collaborative and Everyday Academics, features nearly two dozen brief videos on topics including effective instruction, leadership, family engagement, safe and supportive schools, meaningful relationships, and more.

Researchers and faculty talk through the three most important things they want others to know about their work, aiming to share information with a broader, off-campus community.

The following are examples from the Three Things series:

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

UW-Madison School of Education Director of Arts in the Office of Professional Learning and Community Education Dr. Yorel Lashley

Dr. Yorel Lashley
Dr. Lashley; photo credit: PLACE UW-Madison

Dr. Lashley says social-emotional learning is “equipping ourselves to be whole people, who have healthy awareness of ourselves, and healthy connections to others.” He added, social-emotional learning is not an ‘extra’ thing to do; rather, it should be integrated into all learning. “Developing SEL is to S.T.A.Y. in a reflection-driven process,” meaning we select and translate goals, take action, and promote youth empowerment.

Digital tools and effective instruction and safe and supported students

Wisconsin Center for Education Research Co-Director of the Wisconsin Evaluation Collaborative, and Director of the WCER Clinical Program, Dr. Annalee Good

Dr. Annalee Good
Dr. Good; photo credit: WCER UW-Madison

“There is no one best tool or approach,” Good says while emphasizing the appropriate fit of a tool and context with student needs. “Content and instruction needs to be responsive to student need and also the cultural context.” Good emphasizes equitable opportunities and access, encouraging educators to think beyond internet tools.

Bilingualism

UW-Madison Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Assistant Professor of Bilingual and Bicultural Education, Dr. Diego Román

Dr. Román
Dr. Román; photo credit: Department of Curriculum and Instruction, UW-Madison

“Being bilingual is an asset,” Román states, noting we should appreciate all students regardless of the languages they speak, avoiding judging students through a monolingual lens. He emphasizes valuing the practices of all multilingual students and celebrating living in a multilingual society. “Being bilingual has many benefits that are social-emotional as well as cognitive.” Multilingualism can create more empathy while moving among different contexts.

To view more of the videos, visit the “Three Things” video series web page.