What is Social and Emotional Learning?

Over the past few weeks, I have had some discussions on social and emotional learning (SEL). Subsequently, today, I wanted to explain what I mean when I refer to SEL.

What Is Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)?

The Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL). CASEL refers to social and emotional learning (SEL) as –

“…the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.”

There are five core competencies of social and emotional learning and they are –

• self-awareness,
• self-management,
• social awareness,
• relationship skills, and
• responsible decision-making.

Explanation on the Five Competencies of Social and Emotional Learning

Following is a further explanation of the five competencies of social and emotional learning –

Self-awareness –

• Recognising your own thoughts, feelings and values (and how they influence behaviour),
• Knowing your own abilities (i.e. strengths and limitations),
• Having a well-grounded sense of confidence, and
• Using optimism and a “growth mindset.”

Self-management –

• Being able to successfully regulate thoughts, feelings and behaviours,
• Effectively managing stress and control impulses, and
• Motivating yourself to set and achieve goals.

Social awareness –

• Being able to understand the perspectives of others and empathise with them (including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures), and
• Understanding the social and ethical norms for behaviour, and
• Recognising family, school, and community resources and supports.

Relationship skills –

• Communicating clearly by listening well and engaging in the conversations,
• Co-operating with others and resisting inappropriate social pressures,
• Negotiating conflict constructively, and
• Seek and offering help when required.

Responsible decision-making –

• Making constructive choices about personal behaviour and social interactions based on ethical standards, safety, and social norms,
• Being able to reflect realistically and evaluate consequences of various actions, and
• Having a consideration for the well-being of oneself and others (i.e. friends, family, colleagues etc.).

Over to You…

These look like pretty good skills to me, what about you? I hope this has given you some insight in to what is social and emotional learning. Do you have any questions? If so, please leave them below.

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