I Gotta Feelin'. . .A Literature Review on Why Schools Need to Promote a More School-based Approach of Social and Emotional Learning Within the 21st Century Learning Model
I Gotta Feelin'. . .A Literature Review on Why Schools Need to Promote a More School-based Approach of Social and Emotional Learning Within the 21st Century Learning Model
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Issue Date
2014-06
Authors
Johannson, Donald
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Abstract
This paper explores existing literature on social and emotional learning (SEL) and examines the effects of implementing a SEL approach for students as part of the regular education for high school students in public schools. SEL is an approach to help students engage in positive social interactions, make responsible decisions, recognize and manage emotions, and solve problems effectively while also achieving academic success. When students are able to cope with, manage and maneuver the social and emotional landscapes of their lives, their ability to learn on all levels improves. Teaching SEL as a component of secondary education increases academic performance and prepares students to meet the challenges of lifelong learning in a changing global society. The purpose of this study is to determine how best to integrate SEL into high schools and the secondary curriculum to improve the overall learning environment. This research study indicates that adopting a SEL program school-wide is beneficial for both students and teachers, especially when it is done with intentionality and where students and teachers learn the SEL concepts together—speaking the same SEL language and practicing and utilizing the concepts and tools on a school-wide basis. From this perspective, an effective and meaningful SEL program allows students and teachers to adapt and adopt new attitudes and beliefs that enhance learning and reshape school culture.