In the past, education has focused mainly on cognitive skills such as reading, writing, math, and science. But today, social emotional learning (SEL) is gaining more attention as educators recognize the importance of teaching students how to navigate their emotions in order to become successful in life. Let’s take a closer look at four reasons why SEL is so important for students.
1. Improved Academic Performance
When students have the skills needed to manage their emotions, they are better able to focus on their studies and perform better academically. Examples of strong emotion regulation skills include being aware of one’s own feelings and not allowing them to be a distraction when completing tasks, seeing frustration in perspective, regulating levels of stress and fear, and taking breaks from difficult tasks. All of these skills help students direct their energy towards productive activities instead of wasting valuable time on negative thought patterns or emotions. With improved emotional management comes less anxiety around studying, better concentration for long study periods in order to learn material thoroughly, more efficient problem-solving processes, and better coping mechanisms for potential failure or criticism. The benefits provided by developing these skills can last a lifetime.
2. Increased Engagement in Classroom Activities
Social emotional learning also helps students with classroom engagement. When students understand how to manage their emotions and have an understanding of how to interact with others positively, they are more likely to participate in classroom activities and be engaged with their peers. This can lead to higher levels of collaboration among classmates which can further improve academic performance.
3. Enhanced Communication Skills
SEL also teaches students how to communicate effectively with others. Students learn about active listening skills which enable them to really hear what someone else is saying rather than just reacting or responding without fully considering what was said. They also learn how to express themselves clearly without becoming aggressive or disrespectful towards others. This kind of communication skill can go a long way towards helping them succeed both inside and outside the classroom in later life.
4. Developed Life Skills
Finally, social emotional learning provides students with essential life skills that will serve them well throughout adulthood such as problem-solving skills, coping strategies for stress management and conflict resolution techniques. All of these skills will be invaluable when it comes time for them to enter the workforce or pursue other goals after graduation from school or college.
We Can Help!
Social emotional learning is an important part of any student’s education and should be given equal importance alongside cognitive skills such as reading, writing, math and science in today’s classrooms. The benefits of SEL are clear – improved academic performance, increased engagement in classroom activities, enhanced communication skills and developed life skills that will prepare them for adulthood – making it an essential part of any curriculum designed to help young people succeed both inside the classroom and beyond!
At Conover, we are passionate about SEL and teaching life skills. Our online assessment and curriculum system can help educators prepare their students for school and life. See how Conover Online can help your students. Schedule a demo with us today!
