Why We Need Social-Emotional Learning | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Why We Need Social-Emotional Learning

We encounter problems, bullies, and stressful situations everyday...

29
Why We Need Social-Emotional Learning
Presence Learning

Have you ever been called down to the principal’s office or asked to speak with your teacher after class? Has your boss ever said, “I need a minute to talk to you in private” or has your significant other ever sent you that dreadful text message that says, “We need to talk.”?

We encounter scenarios like this very often in life and I guarantee that most of us respond to these situations with worry, stress, and maybe even sweatiness. Most times, we have been worrying for no reason and wind up with a Student of the Month award or a nice compliment about our work ethic and maybe at times a job promotion or a raise.

I am extremely guilty of worrying about everything under the sun. Most of my worries turn out to be useless, and then I find myself angry for worrying in the first place. How can we all better manage our emotions and reactions in these cases? How can we recognize what to do in certain social situations?

The solution is social-emotional learning (SEL). “Social and emotional learning is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions” (casel.org).

If schools started implementing SEL programs in their curriculums as early as kindergarten all the way through high school, they could help students to be better prepared for the real world. We need to have self-awareness and empathy towards others.These programs are especially important in our technology-driven world. About 80 percent of students are bullied online and in person because the bullies don’t know how to handle their negative feelings, so they take them out on others.

People also consult technology constantly for answers, but we should be able to solve problems on our own. SEL can be taught in the classroom, woven within other academic- based lessons. Teachers can present scenarios to students and ask them for their solutions or they can have students utilize the computer to watch teaching animations and then respond to questions about handling different age appropriate, real-world problems.

SEL programs have been very successful and studies have shown that students who partake in SEL programs have grade increases of eleven percentage points on average and teachers usually see about four to six percent increases, so this clearly makes a big difference! Help spread the word about social and emotional learning.

You can find more statistics and information here:

http://www.casel.org

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1479
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16318
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3420
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments