What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)? | engage2learn

Education is a complex system. We want learners to emerge from public school with both hard facts and the Life Ready Skills that prepare them for both present and future challenges, inside and outside of the classroom.

As we talk more about the importance of Life Ready Skills, the topic of social emotional learning comes into play. Here’s what social emotional learning is, and why it matters for public education.

What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?

Social emotional learning is more than a buzzword. It’s a method of thinking and instruction. SEL is the process that all learners use to manage relationships, emotions, and apply knowledge to make the best decisions possible.

Why It’s Important

SEL is crucial to learner outcomes. It needs to be integrated into everything we do as educators. The traditional systems of instruction aren’t designed to put SEL top-of-mind. Using a learner-oriented framework, we can make SEL a reality and help millions of learners.

Here’s why SEL is important.

• It creates a safe learning environment. Learners are free to express themselves openly and honestly in an environment that encourages them to explore their innate curiosity.
• It incorporates skill building into lessons. For example, group projects teach students about conflict resolution, which teaches them how to professionally work through their emotions.  
• It increases communication. In a safe classroom environment, learners are able to communicate more openly and more frequently to accomplish even more.
• It empowers students. They’re able to take charge of their own learning with SEL. They learn to accept and give feedback for optimal growth. This is only possible when kids are emotionally supported in a safe environment.  

How We Help Districts Integrate SEL

SEL doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the e2L LIFe process automatically and seamlessly integrates social emotional learning into the classroom. You don’t need another initiative. With LIFe, you get “just one thing” instead of “one more thing.”

Equip learners with the necessary Life Ready Skills through designing relevant, meaningful learning experience that include the elements of SEL to see real, measurable results.