The Benefits and Obstacles of Social Emotional Learning

By Audrey Loo

Summer 2024 Intern

What is Social Emotional Learning? (SEL)

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a lifelong process that involves a person’s ability to create and maintain healthy, positive relationships with others. SEL is made up of five key concepts/competencies, each with the capability of being incorporated into class curriculum: self-management, self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. These competencies are interconnected, and through implementing activities that focus on SEL, students are better equipped to empathize, positively interact with others, and thoughtfully make decisions[1].

Benefits of SEL?

SEL is proven to be beneficial for students specifically pertaining to their academic performance. According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), students who took part in SEL interventions increased their academic performance by eleven percentile points. It was found that students who took part in SEL benefitted academically in the long term, too, averaging thirteen percentile points higher than peers who did not participate in SEL[2].

Incorporating SEL into school curriculums can benefit students in ways that will prepare them for life outside the classroom as well. As described in the five core concepts of SEL, students learn how to better recognize and process their own emotions; weigh and make decisions while considering consequences; and communicate peacefully and effectively with others[3]. These are all skills that are useful and necessary not just for interacting in an academic setting, but for building positive relationships with people in any environment.

An environment that fosters SEL also has the potential to be more equitable and healthy. Through an SEL-conducive environment, which fosters both self- and social-awareness, students are encouraged to have open and inclusive discussions. These discussions help each student share their own story while also listening to others[1]. SEL also makes room to address mental health concerns such as anxiety, substance abuse, and depression, and equips students with the tools to manage stress and ask for help when needed[4].?

Challenges of SEL

Despite its positives, SEL also faces its own set of challenges, one such challenge being its costly nature. In 2018, it was reported that government spending on implementing SEL practices in K-12 public schools reached over $30 billion. Some argue that with the expenses that come with it, SEL does not have tangibly measurable results that justify its implementation in schools. Another argument against SEL is that rather than trying to cultivate informed students, it focuses more on preparing the student for the workforce. Others argue that SEL provides underqualified psychoanalysis for students in the classroom and worry about the lack of parental involvement in the process[5].?

Summary

In sum, SEL is an ongoing learning and developmental process that includes skills vital to creating and maintaining healthy, positive relationships[6]. SEL interventions can be implemented in the classroom and have been proven beneficial to students’ academic performance. Beyond an academic sense, SEL also serves its purpose in fostering useful relationship and self-management skills that benefit students outside the classroom. However, some contend that the skills involved in SEL are intangible and unmeasurable, thereby arguing for its unproven efficacy. Worries have also been voiced about the lack of parental involvement in SEL interventions, while another challenge to SEL are the expenses involved in implementing it in schools.?

Publishing Solutions Group

Publishing Solutions Group is dedicated to creating educational materials for publishers that support its learners, including SEL. We understand the importance of fostering collaborative learning environments that encourage students to build respectful relationships with one another.? In keeping up with the ever-evolving world of educational curriculum and techniques, PSG is able to provide clients with updated and informed resources on the creation and editing of new content.