Educators have come to understand the significance of social and emotional learning (SEL) in schools, as it can significantly affect students’ academic success and overall well-being. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) published a brief called “What Does SEL Look Like in Practice?” which lays out four strategies for integrating SEL in schools: freestanding lessons, general teaching practices, integration of SEL skills into academics, and a school-wide approach (Dusenbury, 2). This essay will examine these strategies and evaluate their effectiveness in promoting social and emotional learning among students.
Freestanding lessons are specific lessons or activities designed to teach students social and emotional skills. For example, a freestanding study on empathy might involve role-playing scenarios where students practice identifying and responding to the emotions of others. In my experience, a freestanding lesson on mindfulness was particularly effective, as it helped students develop greater self-awareness and self-regulation skills. However, teachers use general teaching practices in everyday teaching that support social and emotional learning. For example, a teacher might use active listening techniques to encourage students to communicate effectively with each other. In my experience, using collaborative learning techniques was particularly effective in promoting social and emotional learning, as it helped students develop teamwork and communication skills.
Integrating SEL skills into academics involves integrating social and emotional skills into academic lessons. For example, a math lesson might include an activity that requires students to work together to solve a problem, which can help them develop skills in teamwork and communication. In my experience, integrating SEL skills into science classes was particularly effective, as it helped students develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. The school-wide approach involves creating a school-wide culture supporting social and emotional learning. For example, a school might have a set of core values regularly reinforced through school-wide activities and programs. In my experience, a school-wide approach that promoted empathy and kindness was efficient, as it helped students feel more connected to each other and the school community.
A school-wide approach is the most effective way to support social and emotional learning. Creating a culture that values and reinforces SEL skills makes students more likely to internalize and apply these skills daily. In addition, research has shown that students who receive SEL instruction show improved academic achievement, better behavior, and positive social interactions, further highlighting the importance of integrating social and emotional learning in schools.
Work Cited
Dusenbury, Linda, et al. “What Does Evidence-Based Instruction in Social and Emotional Learning Actually Look Like in Practice? A Brief on Findings from CASEL’s Program Reviews.” Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, 2015.