WHY IS SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL) IMPORTANT?

Social and Emotional Learning aims to help individuals to understand their thoughts, emotions, words and how these affect their actions. It helps individuals become aware of their emotions as well as that of others. SEL helps young individuals transform into accountable adults as it allows them to thrive personally, academically, develop and maintain positive relationships, become lifelong learners, and contribute to the growth and development of their environment.

*There are some key concepts in Social and Emotional Learning which include:*

1. Self Awareness: The ability to regulate one’s emotions effectively, make conscious choices, have a realistic self-perception, with recognition of one’s strengths and weaknesses.

2. Self-Management: This has to do with controlling one’s thought process, managing stress, and anger

3. Social Awareness: Demonstrating empathy, respecting and appreciating diversity, understanding social norms and cues.

4. Relationship Skills: This is very essential to enable an individual to establish and maintain healthy long-lasting relationships.

5. Decision Making: This simply means making healthy, ethical and constructive choices as well as considering oneself, others, evaluating options and understanding the consequences of choices made.

*The Importance of SEL*

SEL plays a crucial role in the well-being of individuals as well as their development, particularly children and young adults.

The following are the importance of SEL:

1. An individual can gain a better understanding of themselves as well as the people around them which helps to guide and manage one's behavior.

2. It helps to acquire the skills and knowledge required to identify, understand emotions, set achievable goals and manage human differences.

3. SEL enhances academic performance, improves classroom behavior and helps children adjust well to their social environment.

4. It allows for effective communication, active listening, cooperation, teamwork, and conflict resolution.

5. Developing a positive attitude towards oneself, everyone around including empathy, confidence, and persistence are the essential skills SEL helps to build.

6. The knowledge of SEL can help to create an environment that is conducive to increasing the amount of work completion and performance.

In conclusion, by promoting social and emotional learning, individuals develop essential skills with competencies that support their overall development, well-being and success in various areas of life.

Note: In subsequent weeks we shall talk about how Teachers can infuse SEL into the teaching and learning process as well as how Parents can infuse SEL into their homes.