We’ve previously written posts on the ultimate guide to SEL and the 11 best social-emotional apps for teachers. But it seems that educators and administrators are looking for even more hardcore facts about SEL. For example, what does the research really say? And what kind of benefits can we expect from SEL?
We’re glad you asked! We’ve done some research and put together a post about the benefits of social-emotional learning. Take a look We’re sure you’ll find the answers to all your burning questions about SEL!
Table of Contents
What is social-emotional learning?
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a process that helps young people acquire skills to manage their emotions, achieve goals, develop empathy and make responsible decisions. By focusing on the student, SEL also makes the education system more equitable.
SEL teaches students to work through conflicts using guided exercises. It promotes composure by acknowledging the power of empathy.
Although SEL is commonly practiced in schools, it can also be successfully applied outside the classroom.
6 benefits of social-emotional learning
1. SEL helps you regulate your emotions and manage stress
The American Journal of Public Health found that kindergarten students who had better social-emotional skills were more likely to succeed in school, work, and other areas of life.
This well-documented meta-analysis also found that those who participated in SEL programs had better social skills, attitudes, goal setting, problem-solving abilities and more. They also showed fewer behavioral problems and less emotional distress.
2. SEL improves academic performance
SEL programming is highly effective. Studies have found that SEL fosters safe learning environments and prevents violence. It also decreases emotional distress, disruptive behavior in school, or on-the-street drug abuse/addiction. The result? Better academic performance.
The SEL meta-analysis study we referred to earlier found that SEL improved performance on grade-level assessments by an average of 11 percentile points! This study, conducted from 2011 to 2014, surveyed 270,000 students. 3. SEL improves physical health
SEL is linked to improved physical health. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that increased physical activity can also help to develop students’ social-emotional learning.
Kyle Bragg, a National Board-certified teacher says teaching SEL through health and physical education can help students navigate daily challenges related to academics and positive social behavior.
4. SEL promotes resilience
Research has shown that children with the ability to self-regulate, (an important SEL skill), are less likely to get frustrated or angry when they face obstacles.
SEL also builds children’s self confidence, which motivates them to build realistic goals. Want to help your students become more resilient? Here are four SEL techniques promoted by the American Psychological Association:
- Prioritize relationships
- Practice mindfulness
- Set goals
5. SEL improves mental health
Schools and districts around the world are focusing on mental health issues by developing students’ skills. They’re finding that kids with SEL skills are less likely to experience anxiety, depression, or other psychological problems.
There’s no doubt that a school that supports SEL will have a positive impact on its students. When pupils participate in activities that promote social-emotional well-being, like arts programs or drama clubs, they can find new ways to develop essential life lessons.
In other words, promoting social awareness and emotional development in schools is a great way to support mental health!
6. SEL increases equity
SEL focuses on creating caring learning environments for ALL students.
How?
By encouraging them to reach their full potential with full support from staff members.
According to CASEL, SEL advances educational equity and excellence by:
- Supporting authentic school-family-community partnerships
- Fostering trusting and collaborative positive relationships
- Promoting rigorous and meaningful curriculum and instruction
- Applying ongoing evaluation of policies, practices and outcomes
Who else benefits from SEL?
So, what are the real benefits of social-emotional learning? As we’ve already mentioned, SEL can have a positive impact on our workplace, home and everyday life.
Here are a few examples:
How teachers benefit
Social-emotional learning prepares teachers and students to express empathy, which allows them to handle difficult situations more effectively.
- In fact, multiple studies have shown that SEL reduces anxiety in students and makes them more likely to return for future classes.
- When students learn social-emotional skills, including conflict management techniques or solution-focused communication practices, they can improve their relationship skills and social interactions with peers and adults at school.
- Research suggests that schools that implement social-emotional learning programs tend to see a long-term increase in student participation rates.
Your job is to teach your students how to learn. This means providing lessons that are easily understood, self-paced, and offer many opportunities for success. SEL helps teachers create a student-friendly environment that fosters creativity and aims to solve problems through collaboration.
How parents benefit
New research shows that social-emotional learning can benefit parents across the board.
Building SEL time into parents’ daily routines can give both parents and children time for self-care practices such as journaling, going for walks (even if only 10 minutes!), meditating, and exercising.
SEL also prompts parents to ask questions, listen actively, and promote eye contact to validate children’s feelings.
Practicing SEL skills at home also creates stronger parental and child bonds. By working together, parents and children can improve communication skills such as cooperating, listening, and understanding emotions with respect for each others’ feelings.
Parents can also set SEL goals with their children and model SEL skills that are taught at school.
How employees benefit
SEL creates an environment where workers want to succeed. This ultimately reduces the turnover rate.
In a recent study, the Committee for Children stated that a school-based social- emotional learning curriculum provides the key to workforce development by teaching the skills that employers seek. In addition, these programs have been found effective in improving behavioral and academic success as well as career outcomes.
SEL success in the workplace can be attributed to numerous factors. When we feel safe, we’ll be more creative and produce better work because we don’t feel we’re being unduly judged or criticized.
A recent survey by the Business Roundtable/Change the Equation showed that 98 percent of CEOs have difficulty “finding candidates with the competencies and training to fill open positions.” — at all skill levels.
Why?
Because businesses are looking for people with knowledge and SEL skills like self-efficacy, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
The Bottom Line
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a relatively new area of study, but the benefits are already starting to show. Children and adults who have learned SEL skills have better academic success and emotional well-being.
SEL extends beyond academics into physical health, mental health, and more. SEL skills have a positive impact on our communities, homes, and workplaces.
Want to introduce social-emotional learning in your classroom? Find out more about Classcraft’s behavior management platform at www.classcraft.com.
Recommended SEL further reading
- Promoting positive youth development through school-based social-emotional learning interventions: A meta-analysis of follow-up effects. Taylor, R. D., Oberle, E., Durlak, J. A., & Weissberg, R. P. (2017).
- Promoting Positive Youth Development Through School-Based Social and Emotional Learning Interventions: A Meta-Analysis of Follow-Up Effects
- An update on social and emotional learning outcome research
- The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis of school-based universal interventions
- Resolving conflict creatively: evaluating the developmental effects of a school-based violence prevention program in neighborhood and classroom context
Photo credit: Google Education
Social Emotional Learning