The Power of SEL: How Integrating Social-Emotional Learning Transforms Student Engagement
- Sharon Medina
- Jun 22, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 21
Prior to the pandemic, educators like myself began to noticed a considerable drop in academic performance due to decline in student's mental and emotional health. When the pandemic hit, it disrupted daily routines and isolated children from their peers, leading to increased anxiety and depression. Studies from organizations like CASEL have confirmed what many of us already suspected: social isolation has had a lasting impact on children’s mental well-being.
Now that students have returned to traditional learning environments, they’re not just struggling to catch up academically—they're also questioning why they’re doing it. This disconnect is fueling a larger crisis, one that affects both their motivation and their emotional connection to education.
The Power of SEL in Education
Research from CASEL underscores the benefits of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in schools. A meta-analysis of 213 studies involving over 270,000 students found that SEL instruction boosted academic performance by up to 11 percentile points compared to students who didn’t receive it. But the benefits go far beyond test scores.
Students with access to SEL:✅ Show better classroom behavior✅ Manage stress more effectively✅ Develop positive attitudes about themselves, others, and school
There’s also strong evidence that integrating SEL into education can reduce risky behaviors like substance abuse, violence, and dropping out. In other words, SEL doesn’t just help students succeed academically—it helps them thrive in life.
SEL Isn’t an “Extra”—It’s Essential
Social-emotional development plays a crucial role in helping students build confidence, self-control, independence, and resilience. These skills empower them to pursue goals, navigate setbacks, and handle conflicts—all of which are essential for success, not just in school, but in life. SEL isn’t just a “nice-to-have” addition to education—it’s a core component of quality learning.
The Future of Learning: SEL in Digital Education
The pandemic highlighted the critical role that online learning plays in education, both in the U.S. and around the world. As we continue integrating digital tools into learning environments, we must prioritize SEL in online platforms. Teaching social-emotional skills in virtual settings is one of the most effective ways to help students rebuild their confidence, manage emotions, and stay engaged in learning.
Now more than ever, SEL is the key to addressing the challenges left in the wake of the pandemic—and ensuring students feel supported, both emotionally and academically, as they move forward.
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