What is social Emotional Learning (SEL)?

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is crucial for educators, as it addresses the emotional and social needs of students. Hearing a student express frustration with phrases like “This is stupid” or “Why are we learning this?” can be disheartening. Reflecting on your own school experiences, you might recall subjects that left you puzzled, wishing for clarity on their relevance and future benefits. SEL seeks to alleviate this frustration by teaching students how to manage their emotions and interact respectfully with others. In today's diverse classrooms, where students encounter various backgrounds and beliefs, SEL fosters self-awareness and empathy, equipping them to navigate their communities and the broader world. By nurturing these skills, educators can help shape students into thoughtful, engaged citizens who contribute positively beyond the classroom.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) may not be a standalone subject like history or math, but it can be seamlessly integrated into a school's curriculum. When educators personalize academic lessons, students are more likely to engage and remain attentive, reducing the chances of disengagement. By cultivating empathy, self-awareness, and a sense of safety and belonging in the classroom, SEL can create lasting positive effects on students' lives. 

There are various methods to implement SEL in schools. Some educators allocate specific time during the school day for SEL, often during homeroom, allowing these lessons to resonate throughout the day and reinforce core SEL competencies. Teachers might encourage students to journal their thoughts on SEL topics or pair younger students with older "buddy classrooms" to foster connections across age groups. 

Additionally, SEL can be incorporated into traditional subjects like math, history, or reading. For example, group projects can encourage students to assign roles collaboratively, while role-playing historical figures can deepen their understanding of motivations behind actions. Teachers can also guide students in setting personal goals for improvement and tracking their progress, providing a tangible way to recognize their achievements and boost their confidence.

Social and emotional learning (SEL) benefits individuals of all ages by enhancing self-awareness, academic performance, and positive behaviors in various settings. Research indicates that students engaged in SEL programs experienced an 11 percentile boost in their grades and improved attendance. On a personal level, SEL equips students with essential skills to manage emotional challenges, resolve conflicts, and resist negative peer influences.

When students learn to tackle personal issues effectively, they are better prepared to handle the complexities of adult life. A report from the AEI/Brookings Working Group on Poverty and Opportunity highlighted that recent educational reforms have largely overlooked the socio-emotional aspects vital for effective learning and development. 

A study in the American Journal of Public Health analyzed data from the Fast Track Project, which aimed to mitigate aggression in children at high risk for behavioral issues. By identifying students who struggle with the fundamental aspects of SEL, educators can intervene early, fostering self-control, empathy, and other valuable traits. Mastering these positive behaviors not only enhances academic success but also cultivates the "soft skills" necessary for future employment, such as teamwork and problem-solving, ultimately paving the way for lifelong achievement.