Promoting Academic Achievement through Social and Emotional Learning

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Defined
Social and emotional competence refers to
the capacity to recognize and manage emotions,
solve problems effectively, and establish and
maintain positive relationships with others (see
sidebar, next page). Social and emotional competence
and the learning environments that support
their development have been shown to
enhance academic performance in various direct
and indirect ways (Zins et al. in press). SEL programming
in schools, when carried out systematically
and comprehensively, supports caring class
classroom
environments and helps develop positive
relationships. SEL programming also provides students
with varied skills that positively affect academic
achievement. They include:
• managing emotions that interfere with learning
and concentration
• developing motivation and the ability to persevere
even in the face of academic setbacks
and challenges
• working cooperatively and effectively in the
classroom and in peer learning groups
• setting and working toward academic goals
For example, learning in a history class
improves markedly when students are taught to
use problem solving to understand and analyze a
historic event. Teaching students social and emotional
skills also makes them less likely to behave
in ways that interfere with learning.
What the Research Says
A substantial body of research supports the
notion that social and emotional variables are
integral rather than incidental to learning (Wang,
Haertel, and Walberg 1997). Wilson, Gottfredson,
and Najaka’s meta-analysis (2001) of 165 studies
examined the effectiveness of various schoolbased
prevention activities. Their study revealed
that social and emotional learning programs
increased attendance and decreased the dropout
rate. Zins et al. (in press) found that SEL programs
improved student attitudes, behaviors, and academic
performance.
Rather than diverting schools from their primary
academic mission, improving students’
social and emotional competence advances the
academic mission of schools, while also ensuring
that they meet their broader mission to produce
caring, responsible, and knowledgeable students.
Social and emotional learning provides students
with basic skills for success not just in school but
ultimately in their personal, professional, and
civic lives.

From: http://www.pilambda.org/horizons/v81-4/Ragozzino.pdf