The importance of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) has increased than ever before. Social emotional learning (SEL) is a type of education that focuses on the development of social skills, such as communication, problem solving, and cooperation. SEL has been shown to be important for both children and adults, as it has been linked with increased academic success, better mental health, and reduced rates of violence. Gone are the days when we would expect students to behave like robots, leaving their feelings behind and focusing solely on academics, with the implication being that there is no correlation between social-emotional issues and academic learning. SEL is quickly becoming a cornerstone of education in many states and their educational communities.
What is SEL?
Extensive research regarding the efficacy of SEL in improving student learning experience has encouraged schools and educational institutions to incorporate Social-Emotional Learning within their academic curriculum. SEL explained straightforwardly refers to the systematic process through which students learn and implement the knowledge and skills essential for understanding and managing emotions to succeed in achieving the goals that they have set for themselves. Students with robust social-emotional skills are better equipped to handle daily challenges, build positive relationships, and make informed decisions in diverse settings. Students learn to cooperate with and help others, which is the foundation of thriving in life.
Having explained the basic concept of SEL and its importance in education, let’s now look at some of its valuable benefits:
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Academic Success
Evidence from recent studies suggests there is a direct correlation between the effective implementation of Social-Emotional Learning techniques and improved academic results in educational institutions where students were encouraged to be more open about their feelings and emotions.
To support this finding, a 2017 research article published in the “Future of Children Journal” concluded that the introduction of evidence-based SEL programs in schools could improve student involvement, along with their grades and test marks, while reducing incidents of indiscipline and troubled behavior inside and outside the classroom.
While discussing the long-term academic benefits of SEL, the authors emphasized that students who are more socially and emotionally competent tend to show a pattern of higher success in their higher education and their careers.
Furthermore, SEL has great potential in helping at-risk students cope with the current academic challenges and secure long-term academic achievements.
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Improved Social Behavior
It has believed that students who indulge in SEL get better equipped to deal with provocative situations both inside and outside the school. These students are far less likely to exhibit disruptive behavior, which shows that such students understand the importance of keeping their social and emotional well-being intact.
The effectiveness of incorporating SEL in Early Childhood Education can be gauged from the statistic that it can help students effectively cope with trauma and other psychological problems, reducing the risk of substance abuse in such young adults by almost 10%.
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Improved Emotional Health
Conventional education programs have ignored the need to address issues such as emotional health. Students get programmed to believe that suppressing their emotions and feelings is the only way to stay focused and achieve academic success.
However, SEL techniques have not only helped students succeed in academics but also made them realize the importance of expressing their feelings explicitly, so they can get rid of any mental baggage they might be carrying.
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Reduced Aggression and Emotional Distress
According to researchers, interactive SEL activities in the classroom can help reduce violent and aggressive behavior among the students by teaching them conflict resolution techniques, thus promoting a healthier classroom environment. Besides, SEL techniques revolving around mindfulness and the stimulation of central cognitive functions have proved beneficial in countering stress and improving emotional well-being.
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Better Decision Making Skills
Most SEL activities encourage students to make quick and informed decisions that can help them make responsible choices when faced with difficult situations in the future. These can range from small everyday decisions to career choices that might end up defining their lives. Students learn to make constructive choices about their behavior and social interactions across various settings. They develop the ability to make a realistic evaluation of their actions’ repercussions.
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Creates Leaders Through Teamwork
Since SEL activities are more inclusive and interactive, they encourage students to work in teams, strengthening their leadership qualities while also allowing them to bond with each other, paving their way towards individual growth and success.
An essential part of education and human development, SEL has become a hot topic of discussion recently. One could determine its efficacy by the fact that international organizations like OECD and UNESCO have active initiatives in place to promote greater social and emotional development amongst students, teachers, and communities.
There is copious research suggesting the positive impact of SEL programs on students. Besides improving academic achievement, emotional behavior, and social behavior, it helps develop competencies that last a lifetime.
