Social and emotional learning (SEL) is more important than ever as we head into the 2021-2022 school year. Researchers have found that SEL can have a positive impact on academics, mental health, and social behavior. But what exactly is SEL? And how can educators ensure they’re meeting all the competencies outlined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)?
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what SEL is, the five core competencies outlined by CASEL, and how educators can better meet these competencies in the coming school year.
What is social and emotional learning?
Social and emotional learning (SEL) refers to the process through which individuals develop the ability to understand and manage their emotions, set and achieve goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
What are the five core competencies of social and emotional learning?
The CASEL has identified five core competencies that are essential for social and emotional learning. These competencies are self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Let’s take a closer look at each of these competencies and how educators can help their students develop them.
Self-awareness
The ability to accurately identify one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior.
Tips for educators:
- Encourage students to reflect on their emotions and behaviors on a regular basis.
- Provide opportunities for students to share their thoughts and feelings with others in a safe and supportive environment.
- Teach students how to label their emotions in order to better understand them.
Self-management
The ability to regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in order to achieve personal and social goals.
Tips for educators:
- Teach students how to set goals and create plans to achieve those goals.
- Encourage students to take responsibility for their own behavior and choices.
- Help students to understand and manage their emotions in healthy ways.
Social awareness
The ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Tips for educators:
- Provide opportunities for students to interact with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Encourage students to share their own perspectives and listen to the perspectives of others.
- Teach students about the importance of empathy and how to show it towards others.
Relationship skills
The ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with others.
Tips for educators:
- Encourage students to cooperate with and show respect for others.
- Teach students how to resolve conflicts peacefully.
- Help students to understand and manage their emotions in healthy ways.
Responsible decision-making
The ability to make decisions that take into consideration the well-being of self and others.
Tips for educators:
- Teach students about the consequences of different choices.
- Encourage students to consider the impact of their decisions on others.
- Provide opportunities for students to practice making responsible decisions.
As we head into the 2021-2022 school year, it’s important for educators to keep social and emotional learning in mind. By promoting the five core competencies of social and emotional learning, educators can help their students develop the skills they need to be successful in school and in life.