All Learning Is Social and Emotional

1. Social and emotional learning (SEL) is essential for student success

All learning is social and emotional, and addressing the skills in our model of SEL has always has been a part of the work educators do, albeit too often unintentionally and as part of the hidden curriculum of the school.

SEL is ubiquitous. Whether educators intend it or not, they are constantly teaching social and emotional skills through their interactions, behaviors, and choices in the classroom. SEL encompasses a wide range of competencies, including:

• Self-awareness and self-management
• Social awareness and relationship skills
• Responsible decision-making

Research supports SEL. Studies have shown that effective SEL programs can lead to:

• Improved academic performance
• Better social-emotional skills
• Increased positive attitudes
• Reduced conduct problems and emotional distress

SEL benefits all students. By deliberately integrating SEL into the curriculum, educators can ensure that all students have the opportunity to develop these crucial life skills, regardless of their background or circumstances.

2. Identity and agency form the foundation of emotional well-being

Students who lack the communication and regulation skills needed to navigate a complex societal landscape are vulnerable to becoming victims or perpetrators (and sometimes both).

Self-concept matters. A student's sense of identity and agency profoundly influences their emotional well-being and academic success. Key components include:

• Recognizing one's strengths
• Developing self-confidence
• Building self-efficacy
• Cultivating a growth mindset
• Fostering perseverance and grit
• Developing resiliency

Teachers play a crucial role. Educators can support students' identity and agency development by:

• Providing opportunities for students to identify and showcase their strengths
• Offering specific, process-oriented feedback
• Creating a classroom environment that encourages risk-taking and learning from mistakes
• Teaching strategies for overcoming challenges and setbacks

Long-term benefits. Students with a strong sense of identity and agency are better equipped to:

• Set and pursue meaningful goals
• Advocate for themselves and others
• Navigate complex social situations
• Persist in the face of adversity

3. Emotional regulation is crucial for effective learning and relationships

Emotion has the power to enhance or inhibit learning. It's an established aspect of sound pedagogy, contributing to memory formation and positively affecting student engagement.

Understanding emotions. Emotional regulation involves:

• Identifying and labeling emotions
• Recognizing emotional triggers
• Developing strategies to manage emotions effectively

Classroom implications. Teachers can support emotional regulation by:

• Creating a safe and supportive classroom environment
• Teaching specific emotional regulation strategies (e.g., deep breathing, mindfulness)
• Modeling appropriate emotional responses
• Providing opportunities for students to practice regulation skills

Benefits of emotional regulation. Students who can effectively regulate their emotions are more likely to:

• Maintain focus and attention in class
• Develop positive relationships with peers and teachers
• Handle stress and anxiety more effectively
• Perform better academically

4. Cognitive regulation empowers students to take control of their learning

Students who are adept at emotional self-regulation can accurately perceive their current emotional state, anticipate how they will feel throughout the rest of day, and take steps to maintain their equilibrium.

Key components. Cognitive regulation involves:

• Metacognition (thinking about thinking)
• Attention control
• Goal setting and monitoring
• Problem-solving skills
• Decision-making abilities
• Organizational skills

Strategies for development. Teachers can foster cognitive regulation by:

• Explicitly teaching metacognitive strategies
• Providing opportunities for students to set and monitor their own learning goals
• Incorporating problem-solving activities into lessons
• Teaching time management and organizational techniques

Long-term impact. Students with strong cognitive regulation skills are better prepared to:

• Succeed in higher education
• Navigate complex work environments
• Adapt to changing circumstances throughout their lives

5. Social skills are vital for building and maintaining relationships

Relationships are critical in the learning lives of students. The relationship between teacher and student exerts a strong influence on achievement, reported by Hattie (2009) as having an effect size of .52.

Core social skills. Essential social skills include:

• Effective communication
• Active listening
• Empathy and perspective-taking
• Conflict resolution
• Cooperation and teamwork

Teaching social skills. Educators can promote social skill development by:

• Modeling positive social interactions
• Creating opportunities for collaborative learning
• Teaching and practicing specific social skills (e.g., active listening, conflict resolution)
• Providing feedback on social interactions
• Using literature and role-playing to explore social situations

Benefits of strong social skills. Students with well-developed social skills are more likely to:

• Form positive relationships with peers and adults
• Succeed in group work and collaborative projects
• Navigate complex social situations effectively
• Experience less social anxiety and isolation

6. Developing public spirit prepares students for civic engagement

We define public spirit as active interest and personal investment in the well-being of one's communities.

Components of public spirit. Key elements include:

• Respect for others
• Ethical responsibility
• Civic responsibility
• Understanding of social justice
• Commitment to service learning
• Leadership skills

Fostering public spirit. Teachers can nurture public spirit by:

• Engaging students in discussions about current events and social issues
• Providing opportunities for service learning and community engagement
• Teaching about democratic processes and civic responsibility
• Encouraging student leadership and advocacy

Long-term impact. Students who develop a strong sense of public spirit are more likely to:

• Become active and engaged citizens
• Participate in democratic processes
• Work towards positive social change
• Take on leadership roles in their communities

7. Schools must intentionally integrate SEL into daily practices

The research is conclusive: SEL principles taught to students will not gain traction unless adults in the school can integrate them into daily practice and capitalize on real-life situations that demand their application.

Whole-school approach. Effective SEL implementation requires:

• Leadership commitment to SEL
• Professional development for all staff
• Integration of SEL into academic curriculum
• Alignment of school policies and practices with SEL principles
• Partnerships with families and community organizations

Implementation strategies. Schools can successfully integrate SEL by:

• Using data to guide decision-making
• Including key stakeholders in planning and implementation
• Identifying specific needs and goals
• Selecting evidence-based programs or approaches
• Providing ongoing support and coaching for staff

Benefits of integrated SEL. Schools that successfully integrate SEL can expect:

• Improved school climate and culture
• Increased student engagement and achievement
• Reduced behavioral problems and discipline issues
• Enhanced staff job satisfaction and retention
• Stronger partnerships with families and communities

Last updated: October 20, 2024