"Raghav struggled with public speaking, it made him anxious during presentations. However, before his next history presentation he practised deep breathing and visualising the success techniques that he had learnt during a class. When he delivered his presentation, his composure and clear delivery impressed his classmates and teacher alike. This never-before-seen confidence, advanced through those practices, significantly boosted his performance and showed how managing emotions can enhance academic achievements".
Therefore, the question is, which class endowed Raghav with those techniques, and how are the lessons from that class transcending through subjects? It was a Social and Emotional Learning class, which CASEL defines as, “an integral part of education and human development”. But, how do we know whether all schools are teaching these valuable approaches to the students?
Understanding the role of Social Emotional Learning for Academic Success:
This blog traces the growing adoption of the SEL framework by various educational institutions and explores how SEL helps them in the academic development of students.
“Building Kinder Brains” by UNESCO suggests that “The introduction of Social and Emotional Learning provides a double dividend to learners and society by improving academic achievements and nurturing empathetic and compassionate individuals dedicated to building a kinder world”. In essence, everyone benefits when schools invest in Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Students gain knowledge and information by improving their grades and acquiring the abilities necessary for success. This enables Social Emotional Learning for academic success to thrive in any class. Likewise, it cultivates empathy and compassion in them, training them to make a constructive and compassionate contribution to society. Therefore, it can be stated that SEL prepares children to succeed academically as well as to improve the world.
Numerous studies have been conducted that hint towards the efficacy of Social and Emotional Learning in furthering educational interests. For instance, a meta-analysis of 213 SEL programs involving over 270,000 students found that participants demonstrated significantly improved social and emotional skills, attitudes, behaviour, and academic performance compared to control groups. The study reported an average 11-percentile-point gain in academic achievement.
Another study by the American Institutes for Research found that SEL programs resulted in improved classroom behaviour, an increased ability to manage stress and depression, and better attitudes about themselves, others, and school. These findings highlight the importance of integrating SEL into the educational curriculum. (The Impact of Enhancing Students’ Social and Emotional Learning: A Meta-Analysis of School-Based Universal Interventions).
One of the earliest examples of the adoption of SEL in the school system comes from Alaska's Anchorage School District, which has been implementing SEL for over two decades. The district reports not only improved academic outcomes but also a significant reduction in behavioural issues and absenteeism. “Students are more engaged and motivated, and the positive atmosphere is palpable.” (Anchorage School District, SEL Program Results, 2020). Early social-emotional competency development is linked to better learning and academic achievement, mental health, and overall well being.
Social Emotional Learning in Practice for Academic Success:
Similarly, when we talk about India, the Happiness Curriculum implemented by the Delhi Government has proven to yield positive results. The Curriculum aligns well with CASEL's framework. It promotes self-awareness and self-management through mindfulness on Mondays, enhances social awareness with stories on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and strengthens relationship skills via activities on Thursdays and Fridays. Additionally, self-expression on Saturdays supports responsible decision-making, making the curriculum a comprehensive approach to fostering students' holistic development. According to The Hindustan Times, students participating in the Happiness Curriculum demonstrated improvements in their ability to focus and participate in class, which are essential components of academic success. Furthermore, a report from The Federal noted that the Delhi Government's education reforms, including the Happiness Curriculum, contributed to enhanced learning environments and processes in schools, indirectly supporting better academic outcomes.
Likewise, in Jharkhand a WCD(Whole Child Development) approach is being implemented by Sattva Consulting. The WCD approach recognises that childrens’ education and life results are based on their access to safe learning environments both at school and outside of it. Project Sampoorna, implemented by Sattva Consulting, is reforming Jharkhand's education system by developing capacities and institutionalising methods for integrating SEL. At the school level, Sampoorna has rekindled classroom instruction, with students now demonstrating a genuine interest in the classroom and actively participating.
Therefore, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is being seen as gradually making its presence felt. Increasing awareness of the importance of mental health and well-being is fuelling the demand for SEL programs. In addition, the rising integration of SEL into curriculum by educational institutions is also leading the growth. Furthermore, the importance of Social and Emotional Learning is also propelled by Corporates as their CSR incentives such as Sattva Consulting and various other Not for profit organisations. The co-operation between the government and the propellers are also essential to further the integration and promotion of Social and Emotional Learning, to cite an example the Jharkhand government invited Sampoorna to partner with CM-led Adarsh Vidyalaya Program. Hence, it could be asserted that the growing recognition of mental health and well-being is driving the absorption of SEL programs in schools and is being backed by various Non-governmental entities.
References:
https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/what-is-the-casel-framework/
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/why-sel-essential-for-students-weissberg-durlak-domitrovich-gullotta https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhi-govt-marks-four-years-of-happiness-curriculum-101657824252356.html
https://education.alaska.gov/apps/traumawebtoolkit/skill-instruction.html
https://www.edutopia.org/article/connecting-sel-academic-outcomes/
https://www.sattva.co.in/casestudy/moulding-indias-future-with-socio-emotional-learning/
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