Social-Emotional Learning- Feb 2023 Theme

Social-emotional learning, or SEL, has become a key topic across the K12 education and EdTech communities. As the education system strives to support children to grow academically, many have realized that certain barriers to academic success are tied to students’ social and emotional skills. 

Over the last decade, educators and edtech professionals have explored how to best support students to develop soft skills, emotional capacity, interpersonal skills, and self-management strategies. Much of this support had led to an increase in positive learning outcomes. It is clear that SEL has impacted student achievement and may be the key to solving issues across diverse learning journeys. 

In this article, we will explore a working definition of SEL, it’s impact on student learning, and strategies for implementation. Throughout February, edCircuit contributors will share their perspectives on Social Emotional Learning. 

What is Social-Emotional Learning?

Social-emotional learning is a broad category for learning activities, programming, and lessons targeting students’ interpersonal and self-awareness. According to the Committee For Children, “People with strong social-emotional skills are better able to cope with everyday challenges and benefit academically, professionally, and socially.  Further, effective problem-solving to self-discipline, from impulse control to emotion management and more, SEL provides a foundation for positive, long-term effects on kids, adults, and communities.” 

Although it may seem intuitive that children build interpersonal and self-awareness skills in school, it is not as cut and dry. Due to factors such as distance learning, many students don’t have the social apparatus they once had.  The temporary loss of social interaction had many educators pushing for SEL implementation across the curriculum. 

Five Core Competencies

Furthermore, built-in SEL learning can aid students’ development of the five core competencies.  These core competencies are a framework for student’s ability to maneuver social and emotional moments. As explored in this recent article by National University, the five core competencies of SEL are: 

• Self-awareness: the ability to realize the impact of your actions on others
• Self-management: the ability to regulate and account for your actions, thoughts, and emotions.
• Social awareness: the ability to think empathetically about the people you interact with and act in accordance with your impact on the other people in your environment.
• Relationship skills: capability to maintain relationships through effective communication
• Making responsible decisions: capacity to react positively and appropriately to disparate challenges.

Undeniably, the growth of these competencies supports students in achieving academic excellence and personal growth. 

Applicability of Social-Emotional Learning

Social-emotional learning can positively impact many challenges students face in their day-to-day lives and educational journeys. One major impact of SEL is the positive effects on students’ mental health. 

Students have been under tremendous stress over the past three years. From the sudden change of distance learning to fears and anxieties over the COVID-19 pandemic students need SEL more than ever. Students need tools to learn to regulate, express, and cope with their emotions. As explored by Edutopia, a trauma-informed approach to SEL can help students develop tools for reducing stress and increasing academic performance. 

Although there has been some criticism of SEL, there is a relative consensus that supporting students’ emotional needs can improve their learning outcomes.  If you are looking for resources on implementing an SEL strategy, below are a few edCircuit resources that can help you understand and implement SEL in your home, classroom, or boardroom. 

• GUIDE TO 5 EVIDENCE-BASED PARENTING STRATEGIES
• HOW GENDER STEREOTYPES HURT CREATIVITY
• ACTIVITIES FOR CONNECTING WITH KIDS OVER THE HOLIDAYS
• WHY A GROWTH MINDSET FOR CREATIVITY IS ESSENTIAL
• ELIMINATE LOST POTENTIAL BY TEACHING MOTIVATION

Lastly, make sure to stay connected and join the conversation surrounding Social-Emotional Learning by subscribing to edCircuit. If you have thoughts on SEL, apply to become an edCircuit contributor to share your voice with our community.