Emotions in Focus: Nurturing SEL Through Microsoft Reflect

Outline

Content and Engagement:
This poster session will showcase how Microsoft Reflect supports social and emotional learning (SEL) by highlighting key features such as personalized check-ins, customizable question prompts, and response data analysis. Visual examples and conversation prompts will guide attendees in exploring classroom applications. Attendees will engage through interactive discussions at the poster, device-based exploration of Reflect, and peer-to-peer idea sharing on how the tool can be adapted for diverse learners.

Time:
Poster sessions run in an ongoing, drop-in format. Each interaction (5–10 minutes) will include:

2–3 minutes: Overview of Reflect features and SEL connections

2–3 minutes: Demonstration of a check-in activity or data dashboard

2–3 minutes: Guided discussion with attendees to share strategies, adaptations, and classroom ideas

Process:
Engagement will occur through frequent, interactive touchpoints rather than a single presentation. Tactics include:

Device-based exploration: Attendees scan a QR code to try out a Reflect check-in on their own device.

Peer-to-peer interaction: Participants share how SEL is addressed in their contexts and brainstorm ways Reflect could cultivate belonging and elevate reflection.

Interactive prompts: Visitors respond to a live check-in displayed on the poster, with real-time results sparking conversation.

Takeaway resources: Attendees receive a digital handout with examples, step-by-step setup guides, and reflection questions for classroom use.

Outcomes

After this session, participants will be able to identify how Microsoft Reflect supports social and emotional learning across diverse student populations and design personalized check-ins that cultivate belonging and elevate reflection. They will also learn to analyze response data and apply strategies for integrating Reflect into daily routines to foster student well-being.

Supporting research

CASEL. (2023). What is SEL? Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning. https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/

Darling-Hammond, L., et al. (2020). Implications for educational practice of the science of learning and development. Applied Developmental Science, 24(2), 97–140.

Microsoft Education. (2023). Support social emotional learning with Reflect in Microsoft Teams. https://education.microsoft.com