By: Morgan Macklin
introduction
Social-emotional learning, otherwise known as SEL, is a framework that should be an integral part of the education system. Implementing SEL practices in the classroom from a young age is proven to create positive attitudes toward school, prosocial behaviour, and academic success among students. Therefore teachers at all levels should have a strong grasp of what SEL entails and in turn, seek out ways to implement it in their classrooms. This blog will go into depth regarding SEL and its 5 competencies.
Social Emotional Learning is not only an important part of education but is integral to human development. SEL is the process where students develop self-awareness and control, as well as the interpersonal skills that are essential for success in school, work, and their personal life. This helps students navigate adversity and become resilient from a young age. In turn, they improve academically, and behaviourally by gaining a toolkit of skills that will help them successfully navigate the rest of their life.
5 sel core competencies
Collaborative for Academic Social Emotional Learning (CASEL) has developed a widely used and respected framework regarding SEL definitions, strategies, effectiveness, and more. Listed below are their 5 core competencies of social-emotional learning.
self-awareness
This competency is the ability to understand one’s emotions, thoughts, and values and how they impact behaviour. Self-awareness is the perception of limitations and strengths in order to develop a purpose while also understanding how one’s experiences and history play a role.
2. self-management
This is comparable to number one but differs in the sense that once these aspects are recognized, they can then be managed. Gaining control over emotions, thoughts, and behaviour across a range of situations is essential to both reaching goals and conducting positive mental well-being.
3. social awareness
Social awareness includes the capacity to empathize with others regardless of background, culture, gender and any other context that may differentiate an individual. This helps build compassion by understanding social norms, both positive and negative, and ultimately seeing the strengths in others.
4. relationship skills
The ability to establish and maintain healthy relationships that uphold values of strong communication, problem-solving, teamwork, support, and advocacy for others. Furthermore, it provides a skillset for all collaborative situations by building a framework to navigate settings with diverse individuals.
5. responsible decision-making
The process of navigating social situations by leveraging caring and constructive choices. This leans into ethics and safety by weighing the consequences of every decision and how they impact both oneself and others' well-being.
why is sel important?
The Implementation of SEL within the classroom has brought with it positive results for students, parents, teachers, and the entire school environment. It is an evidence-based approach that increases academic performance by 11 percentile points, improves motivation to learn and behave well in the classroom, decreases disruptive behaviour, and reduces emotional distress including anxiety.
From a financial standpoint, investing in SEL resources gains a return on investment of $11 for every $1 spent. Furthermore, 79% of employers state that SEL skills are the highest priority for qualities that lead to job success. This further validates the positive future impacts on the community that early intervention SEL programs provide.
By providing SEL resources to youth, a systemic movement of resilient, compassionate, and empowered youth will be built and equipped to tackle the pressing issues of the future. Furthermore, it will develop a more inclusive learning environment that creates the perfect condition to tackle existing issues in society by ensuring that every student feels welcome, comfortable, and motivated.
closing
SEL is an incredibly important aspect of human development that is slowly reimagining the education sector. It places importance on an individual's well-being and problem-solving in life rather than the pigeonhole approach of focusing solely on academic success. However, by implementing social-emotional learning within the classroom, not only are youth gaining resiliency beyond school, they gain the skills needed to strive throughout their education. Therefore, by integrating SEL into the curriculum of any grade, students develop self-awareness and management skills, become more socially aware, create stronger relationships, and discover how to responsibly make decisions.
get started with heroes: the sel expert
Impact Society has a mission to give everyone the opportunity to live a flourishing life. Therefore, we utilize SEL in our Heroes programs and are working to deliver it in schools and homes across Canada and beyond. Heroes is a life skills program that creates the foundation for entire groups of children to become more courageous and have increased self-efficacy. Learn more on how to integrate our SEL programs to help youth in your life thrive over a discovery call with one of our program experts!