Social-emotional Learning in Action: A Secondary Teacher of English Shares How It Can Work

Abstract

In most cultures around the world, children are taken to school not only to acquire new knowledge but also to develop collaborative skills. Apart from helping students develop language skills, teachers can also instill social skills in learners in order to prepare them for life after school, where they will interact and work with people from diverse backgrounds. This is where social-emotional learning (SEL) comes in.
SEL is an inherent part of education and human development. Through SEL, young people and adults are able to acquire and apply the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to develop healthy identities, manage emotions, achieve personal and collective goals, develop empathy for others, maintain healthy relationships, as well as make responsible decisions (CASEL, 2024).