Software:Microsoft Reflect
 | |
| Developer(s) | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Initial release | April 2021 |
| Type | Educational software |
| Website | reflect |
Microsoft Reflect is a well-being educational software designed to foster connection, expression, and learning by promoting self-awareness, empathy, and emotional growth. Developed by Microsoft, the app aims to support both students and educators in enhancing their social and emotional learning for lifelong learning and personal development.
History
Microsoft built Reflect in response to the critical need for social and emotional learning (SEL) support in educational settings.[1]
The mental health of young people has become a pressing concern in the United States, as evidenced by the declaration of the U.S. Surgeon General in an advisory urging entire communities to support and invest in the next generation. Disturbing trends in data from 2009 to 2019 indicate a 40% increase in feelings of hopelessness and a 36% rise in the number of young people contemplating suicide. Moreover, positive well-being factors like physical activity and social and emotional maturity have been on a continuous decline during this period. The impact of COVID-19 has also been felt, with studies suggesting that depressive and anxiety symptoms may have doubled in 2020.[2]
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, both families and educators are calling for schools to prioritize the well-being and social-emotional learning (SEL) skills of students. A 2021 report by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute revealed that over 90% of parents expressed their support for schools addressing crucial life skills, such as goal setting, problem-solving, and self-confidence.[3]
Educators are also acutely aware of the importance of addressing SEL and well-being needs among their students. The 2021 edition of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's annual Educator Confidence Report included input from more than 1,200 educators across the U.S. The report indicated that these educators consistently ranked student well-being as a top priority.[4]
The Feelings Monster
While emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in a person's success and well-being, many people lack the skills to effectively navigate their emotions. Research suggests that only about 36% of individuals can accurately identify their emotions, highlighting the need for better emotional education.[5]
To assist learners of all ages in authentically identifying and expressing their emotions, Microsoft Reflect incorporates the "Feelings Monster", a research-backed character for all ages, showcases 60 different emotions in an engaging and playful way, assisting learners in authentically identifying and naming their emotions.[6]
External links
References
- ↑ "Develop SEL Skills with the Feelings Monster in Reflect" (in en). https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/education-blog/develop-sel-skills-with-the-feelings-monster-in-reflect/ba-p/2917583.
- ↑ Racine N, McArthur BA, Cooke JE, Eirich R, Zhu J, Madigan S. Global Prevalence of Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Children and Adolescents During COVID-19: A Meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatr. 2021;175(11):1142–1150. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.2482
- ↑ "How to Sell SEL: Parents and the Politics of Social-Emotional Learning" (in en). https://sel.fordhaminstitute.org.
- ↑ "7th Annual Educator Confidence Report" (in en). https://s3.amazonaws.com/prod-hmhco-vmg-craftcms-public/documents/2021-Educator-Confidence-Report.pdf.
- ↑ "Are You Emotionally Intelligent? Here’s How to Know for Sure." (in en). https://www.inc.com/travis-bradberry/are-you-emotionally-intelligent-here-s-how-to-know-for-sure.html.
- ↑ "The Feelings Monster, building a character with all the feels" (in en). https://medium.com/microsoft-design/the-feelings-monster-building-a-character-with-all-the-feels-331b5b871fd1.
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