Journal #3 - Self and Interpersonal Relationship Skills

The HFLE frameworks discussion of self and interpersonal relationship skills makes me realize how important these skills are for our student’s personal development as well as their capacity to succeed in the classroom at home and in society. Through this course I have gained an appreciation for how relationship skills and self-awareness are the cornerstones of emotional intelligence and how crucial they are to developing resilient courteous and sympathetic people.

The opportunity to examine my own attitudes and interpersonal patterns has been one of the most significant features of this course. I’m learning that I have to demonstrate these skills before I can instruct them. In order to achieve this, I must increase my emotional literacy, comprehend my own communication preferences and triggers and become more deliberate in my interactions with people on a personal and professional level.

I’ve learned from investigating these themes using the life-skills approach that teaching about relationships and oneself involves more than just teamwork activities and conflict resolution. Helping students examine their identities, values, boundaries and roles in diverse social contexts is the goal. Developing empathy, emotional regulation and the formation of wholesome encouraging relationships are the main goals. The significance of safe classroom settings where students feel comfortable enough to be vulnerable has also been underlined in the course. Here is where having specialized pedagogical skills becomes essential. I now know how to lead role-plays group projects and reflective exercises that give students a safe environment in which to rehearse real-life situations. The goal is to empower them to find their own voice and negotiate relationships with self-assurance and dignity not to provide answers.

I’m particularly struck by how intertwined every facet of HFLE is. Students are more inclined to interact in civil healthy relationships when they have a better understanding of who they are. These beneficial connections can then have an impact on all other aspects of their wellbeing, including their capacity to make responsible decisions in life, their mental health and their motivation for learning. In addition to expanding my teaching toolkit this course is making me a more grounded and sympathetic individual. I feel increasingly obligated as an HFLE ambassador to help my students develop these life skills because I know they will be useful beyond the classroom.