How SEL Helps Students Succeed

Why is SEL Important?

Research shows that SEL not only improves achievement by an average of 11 percentile points but also increases prosocial behaviors (such as kindness, sharing, and empathy), improves student attitudes toward school, and reduces depression and stress among students (Yang & Bear, 2018).

What is Social-Emotional Learning?

· Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is an educational process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

· SEL is a classroom strategy and a life skill. It helps an individual's ability to interact positively with others and to face challenges effectively.

Understanding Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

SEL's Impact on Engagement and Motivation

Boosting Engagement Through SEL

· SEL strategies help create a safe, supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable to take academic risks, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussions.

· Activities like group projects, peer-to-peer teaching, and community service integrate SEL and academic learning, making lessons more engaging and relevant to students’ lives.

Enhancing Motivation with SEL

· SEL helps students develop a growth mindset, where they see challenges as opportunities to grow rather than insurmountable obstacles.

· Recognizing and celebrating effort and progress, rather than just achievement, fosters intrinsic motivation in students. They learn to value learning for its own sake, not just for grades or rewards.

Implementing SEL at Home and School

For Educators:

· Integrate SEL in daily lessons: Use collaborative activities, reflective writing, and discussions about characters’ motivations and feelings in stories.

· Model SEL skills: Show empathy, active listening, and positive communication in your interactions with students.

For Families:

· Encourage open communication: Discuss your child’s feelings about school, friends, and activities. Listen actively and empathetically.

· Reinforce SEL at home: Practice skills like problem-solving, emotion management, and goal-setting in everyday family life.