Learning and the Brain Spring Conference: Teaching Social Brains

Teaching Social Brains: Strategies to Improve Social Cognition, Cooperation, and Belonging

IMPROVING SOCIAL SKILLS AND PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOR

After more than two years of social disruptions, school closures, isolation, loneliness, and online learning, parents and educators have noticed a drop in social skills and prosocial behavior in children. A 2021 OnePoll survey of parents of school-aged children (ages 5-14) found that 7 out of 10 parents expressed concern that their child’s social skills are at risk and two-thirds are concerned that their children have become more socially awkward around others since the pandemic. 81% of the parents polled wanted schools to implement activities to teach social skills. Research has found that social deprivation and lack of peer interaction in adolescence will have lasting negative consequences on their brains and physical and mental health while other research shows that social skills and prosocial behaviors (caring, cooperating, altruism, etc.) have significant benefits, including mitigating the negative effects of stress, increasing positive moods and health, and improving interest in learning.

This conference will explore the “Science of the Social Brain”, the impacts of isolation and social anxiety, and the importance of peers, social identity, connections, cognition, caring, cooperating, collaborating, and belonging for well-being, learning, and a good society. Discover ways to teach students the social skills and prosocial behaviors they need for learning, friendships, and life success.

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Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
811 7th Avenue, W 53rd Street
New York, NY 10019
United States