How Social And Emotional Learning Can Transform Classrooms - SACAP
Applied Psychology

How Social and Emotional Learning can Transform Classrooms

Oct 07, 2024 | By Bev Moss-Reilly
Reading time: 5 min
Teacher incorporating SEL in her classroom to foster a supportive and productive learning environment.

Social-emotional learning involves developing and using skills to better understand and manage feelings, make decisions, get along with others, empathise, and set goals. These skills are transferable across personal, school, work, and social spheres. Strong social-emotional skills can build positive relationships and generally help manage life’s challenges effectively. 

In recent years, the focus on social-emotional learning (SEL) has significantly increased, reflecting its crucial role in student development and wellbeing. SEL encompasses the processes through which students 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, and make responsible decisions. As educators, integrating SEL into the curriculum is not just beneficial but essential for fostering a supportive and productive learning environment. 

Addressing Challenges in the South African Schooling System

The South African schooling system faces many challenges. Teachers struggle to manage overcrowded classrooms with limited resources. Often, the classroom environment is not conducive to effective learning. Persistent misbehaviour by students distracts others and causes stress and anxiety for teachers. This can lead to teacher demotivation and burnout. 

South African students, as all others, deserve an education that develops both academic and social-emotional competence. This builds the resilience needed to thrive amid current and future challenges. Social-emotional learning (SEL) is an innovative approach that supports this goal. It allows students to develop academically, socially and emotionally. 

By equipping teachers with SEL tools, strong and trusting relationships can be built. This approach changes the dynamics between teachers, students and peers. As a result, classrooms become positive learning environments where students feel safe to explore and try new behaviours. This process helps both children and adults apply skills to navigate life, ensuring success in school, the workplace, and as responsible members of society. 

In the past, teachers concentrated solely on teaching the cognitive aspect of children in isolation. However, with the growing recognition of emotional intelligence as a crucial factor in overall wellbeing and success in academic achievement, relationships, the workplace and other interpersonal interactions, there has been a shift towards holistic education. Today, teachers focus on nurturing the “whole” child, addressing their psychological, mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. This comprehensive approach acknowledges that all these aspects are interconnected and essential for effective learning. 

Why SEL Matters for Teachers

The importance of SEL in education cannot be overstated. Updated research shows that students who receive SEL instruction exhibit improved classroom behaviour, an increased ability to manage stress and depression, and better attitudes about themselves, others, and school. For teachers, understanding and promoting SEL can lead to a more harmonious classroom, reduce behavioural issues, and enhance academic success. 

Introducing WOOP: A Practical Tool for SEL

One innovative method for supporting SEL in the classroom is the WOOP strategy – Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan. This evidence-based tool helps students set and achieve goals by guiding them through a process of identifying their wishes, visualising positive outcomes, recognizing obstacles, and developing actionable plans to overcome these challenges. 

  • Wish: Encourage students to articulate a meaningful goal. 
  • Outcome: Have them visualise the best possible result of achieving their wish. 
  • Obstacle: Help them identify potential internal obstacles that might hinder their progress. 
  • Plan: Assist them in creating a concrete plan to overcome these obstacles. 

Implementing WOOP in the classroom can empower students to take control of their learning and personal growth, fostering a sense of ownership and resilience. 

The Role of Teachers in SEL

Teachers play a pivotal role in the successful integration of SEL into the educational experience. By modelling SEL skills such as empathy, active listening, and effective communication, teachers can create a classroom culture that promotes emotional intelligence and mutual respect. Additionally, teachers can incorporate SEL principles into their daily interactions and lesson plans, providing students with continuous opportunities to develop these essential skills. 

Supporting students’ social and emotional learning (SEL) is a growing priority for schools. Ten years ago, most organisations focused on developing SEL resources for students. However, teachers’ social and emotional competence is crucial too, as our modelling significantly impacts students’ SEL. 

Social and Emotional Modelling

So, how can we ensure we’re modelling healthy social and emotional skills for our students? 

Research shows that when teachers model healthy social and emotional practices, like self-awareness and self-management, students’ SEL outcomes improve. Students learn SEL from teachers constantly – not just during lectures on respect or guided meditations, but also through daily interactions. As Theodore and Nancy Sizer write in The Students Are Watching, “The people in a school construct its values by the way they address its challenges in ordinary and extraordinary times.” 

The 5 competencies of SEL are:

  1. Self-awareness
  2. Self-management
  3. Social awareness
  4. Relationship skills
  5. Responsible decision-making

Through programmes that encourage daily commitment and practice, children and adults become socially and emotionally competent. They are able to face life’s challenges with more optimism, tenacity and resilience, experiencing improved wellbeing and success. Essentially, self-awareness, self-management and social awareness form the bedrock of social and emotional learning that empowers a person to understand and regulate themselves appropriately and engage and collaborate effectively with others. 

Pursuing a PGCE with a focus on SEL

For educators looking to deepen their understanding of SEL and its application in the classroom, SACAP’s Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) offers a comprehensive programme that integrates SEL principles into teacher training. This course prepares educators to effectively incorporate SEL strategies into their teaching practices, enhancing their ability to support students’ emotional and academic needs. 

Key Benefits of SACAP’s PGCE Programme:

  • Comprehensive Curriculum: The programme covers essential educational theories and practices, with a strong emphasis on SEL. 
  • Practical Application: Educators learn how to apply SEL concepts in real-world classroom settings. 
  • Professional Development: Graduates are equipped with advanced skills and knowledge to foster a supportive and engaging learning environment. 

As the education landscape evolves, the importance of social-emotional learning in fostering well-rounded, resilient, and successful students becomes increasingly clear. Teachers, equipped with the right tools and training, are at the forefront of this transformation. By embracing strategies like WOOP and pursuing further education through programs like SACAP’s PGCE, educators can make a lasting impact on their students’ lives, helping them thrive both academically and personally. Learn more about SACAP’s PGCE here.

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