A few years ago I took a college class on social-emotional learning, or SEL. Before diving into the framework, I had some erroneous notions of SEL, viewing it too closely to the work of counselors and therapists. Instead, I discovered that social-emotional learning is a natural part of human development but to varying degrees depending on resources and support. Humans are always learning how to function among others and within their own emotions.
The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) is a strong resource for making sense of social-emotional learning. It breaks SEL into five aspects:
- self-awareness,
- self-management,
- responsible decision-making,
- relationship skills,
- social awareness.
A speaker at my daughter’s opening convocation her first year of college said that “hard skills will get you hired, and a lack of soft skills will get you fired.” Social-emotional learning develops those soft skills. A lot of SEL happens in the home, but it must also happen in schools where students encounter social and emotional situations rarely present in homes.
SELF-AWARENESS
CASEL describes self-awareness as the “abilities to understand one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior.” When I think of self awareness, I picture a boat that is firmly anchored, rather than floating aimlessly through waters. I’ve seen school personnel integrate this SEL aspect by helping students name the emotions they feel, emphasize honesty and integrity, demonstrate a growth mindset, and find a sense of purpose for their lives as they learn.
SELF-MANAGEMENT
The self-management aspect of SEL is essential for classrooms of students to run effectively and efficiently. Setting goals, learning self-discipline, developing organizational skills, managing stress, and implementing strategies for self-motivation are all aspects of self-management. Because a goal of parents and teachers alike is to move children away from dependence and toward independence, self-management must be explicitly taught and modeled.
RESPONSIBLE DECISION-MAKING
The responsible decision-making segment of SEL emphasizes safe and ethical behavior, along with making well-informed decisions for “personal, family, and community well-being.” Schools support students by helping them analyze information, practice critical thinking, and contribute positively to the school community.
RELATIONSHIP SKILLS
Public schools are a microcosm of an entire community that includes people of varied economic and cultural statuses. SEL helps students positively navigate our diverse society so that healthy relationships are established and nourished. SEL also supports students as they learn how to work collaboratively and productively with their peers. Teachers are careful to create opportunities for students to create and maintain positive relationships. Teachers, counselors, and principals also help students make amends and repair relationships as needed.
SOCIAL AWARENESS
Teachers support social awareness growth as they help students learn about government and cultures within our country and around the world. Even reading books helps students gain awareness of the varied perspectives that exist. Two of my favorite focuses when helping students develop their social awareness are “recognizing strengths in others” and “understanding and expressing gratitude.”
CONCLUSION
In my experience, most SEL happens as the need presents itself. At the high school level, I don’t take time to have an SEL lesson. Instead, when a big assignment is coming due, I talk about the purpose and value in honoring deadlines. When I ask my students to work in small groups, I talk about the importance of contributing equally and provide strategies to facilitate that expectation. When my students must complete a task, I set a timer so they learn to manage their time. When a student is scared to give a presentation, we identify the feelings, go over strategies for managing those feelings, and then practice the presentation. These soft skills inherent in SEL help homes, schools, workplaces, and any other group of people create community, belonging, and ultimately joy.
