The modern classroom takes a holistic approach to teaching students that goes beyond just academic skills. Teaching the whole child includes the “soft skills” or “life skills” that students need to be successful in the world and become responsible, caring individuals. A classroom that is focused on developing the whole child is a classroom that incorporates social-emotional learning into instruction. So, what exactly is social-emotional learning? This blog post explores the definition of SEL, the core competencies of SEL, and the importance of SEL in schools and classrooms.
What is Social Emotional Learning?
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a framework for teaching students the life skills they need to be successful in and outside of the classroom. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) defines social-emotional learning as the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions (CASEL, 2024).
Social Emotional Learning teaches students the skills they need to:
- Establish and maintain relationships and set healthy boundaries within those relationships
- Build independence
- Make responsible decisions
- Show empathy for others
- Set and achieve personal and group goals
- Understand and manage emotions
- Show awareness of how actions and behaviors affect others
- Communicate effectively with others
Social-emotional learning provides a foundation for safe and positive learning and enhances students’ ability to succeed in school, careers, and life.
The Core Competencies of SEL
Social emotional learning is comprised of five core competencies as outlined by CASEL. Each of the core competencies focuses on a different skill set for students to acquire. Many of the competencies overlap. For more information about the core competencies, see CASEL’s Interactive CASEL Wheel.
Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is understanding one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior. This includes recognizing one’s strengths and limitations and having a well-grounded sense of confidence and optimism. Self-awareness helps individuals understand their wants, needs, goals, strengths, and challenges. Learning about self-awareness can help students understand their emotions, and behavior and how those affect others.
Self-Management
Self-management includes Effectively managing stress, controlling impulses, and motivating oneself. It involves setting and working towards personal and academic goals. Self-management skills can support students with organization, time management, goal setting accountability, and productivity.
Social Awareness
Social awareness includes understanding the perspectives of others and empathizing with them, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures. This competency also involves recognizing social and ethical norms for behavior. Students with relationship skills will be able to demonstrate empathy and compassion, recognize strengths in others, identify social norms and express understanding and gratitude.
Relationship Skills
Relationship skills include establishing and maintaining healthy and rewarding relationships with diverse individuals and groups. This includes communicating clearly, listening actively, cooperating, resisting inappropriate social pressure, negotiating conflict constructively, and seeking and offering help when needed. Students with effective relationship skills will be able to communicate effectively, develop positive relationships, show leadership in groups, resolve conflicts constructively, and stand up for the rights of others. Individuals with good relationship skills can make positive connections with others, build and maintain friendships, manage conflict, and demonstrate listening and compromising skills (Positive Action, 2020).
Responsible Decision Making
Responsible decision-making includes making ethical, constructive choices about personal and social behavior. This involves considering the well-being of oneself and others, recognizing the consequences of various actions, and applying problem-solving skills. Students can demonstrate responsible decision-making when they notice and identify problems, evaluate the possible outcomes and actions needed to solve the problem, consider the perspectives of others, and reflect on their actions and the effect of the solution on others (Greater Good in Education).
Benefits of SEL
Improved Academic Performance
Research shows that students who participate in SEL programs demonstrate better academic performance. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (2003) shared that integrating SEL throughout the say contributed to an 11% improvement in academic test scores. Incorporating SEL can lead to higher rates of homework completion and attendance, improved grades and test scores, and increased student engagement (CASEL, 2020). By fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment, SEL helps students focus, persevere through challenges, and develop a love for learning.
Enhanced Emotional Regulation
Studies show that SEL in schools can lead to improved physical and mental well-being, and causes a reduction in stress, anxiety depression, and negative behaviors( Jones, et al. 2021, Melnick et al. 2017). SEL equips students with the tools to manage their emotions effectively. This not only reduces incidences of disruptive behavior but also helps students cope with stress and anxiety, leading to a more conducive learning environment.
Positive Social Behavior
SEL supports school climate and safety, improves relationships with teachers, and increases inclusion, belonging, and connection to the school (CASEL, 2024). Melnick et al. (2017) stated that SEL integration showed improved classroom climate and improved social performance in students. Implementing SEL reduces the likelihood of violence, bullying, and other behavioral issues( Melnick et al, 2017). Students involved in SEL programs are more likely to exhibit prosocial behaviors such as kindness, sharing, and empathy. These positive interactions create a more inclusive and supportive school culture.
Long-Term Benefits
The skills developed through SEL are not only beneficial during school years but also in adulthood. Participation in SEL programs during school years has lead to an increase in graduation rates, and improved college and career readiness (Jones, 2021). SEL programs lead to improved job outcomes and higher education attainment (Melnick et al, 2017). Individuals with strong social and emotional skills are better prepared to face life’s challenges, build strong relationships, and succeed in their careers.
Social Emotional Learning may be getting more attention these days but it is not just another buzzword or an educational trend; it is a necessary set of skills that prepares students for life. By fostering self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making, SEL gives students the tools they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Integrating SEL into our schools and classrooms is essential to supporting well-rounded, resilient, and compassionate individuals.
References
Collaborative for Academic Social Emotional Learning (CASEL) 2024. Fundamentals of SEL. https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/
Greater Good in Education. (n.d.a.) https://ggie.berkeley.edu/
Jones, S. M., Brush, K. E., Ramirez, T., Mao, Z. X., Marenus, M., Wettje, S., Finney, K., Raisch, N., Podoloff, N., Kahn, J., Barnes, S., Stickle, L., Brion-Meisels, G., McIntyre, J., Cuartas, J., & Bailey, R. (2021, July). Navigating SEL from the inside out: Looking inside & across 33 leading SEL programs: A practical resource for schools and OST providers. EASEL.
Melnick, H., Cook-Harvey, C. M., & Darling-Hammond, L. (2017). Encouraging social and emotional learning in the context of new accountability. Learning Policy Institute. https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/product-files/Social_Emotional_Learning_New_Accountability_REPORT.pdf
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2003). Social and emotional learning (SEL) and student benefits: Implications for the Safe Schools/Healthy Students core elements. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED505369.pdf
