Incorporating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) into Students’ Learning
In order to provide a well-rounded curriculum to our students, IBST will incorporate SEL into its classrooms in terms of presentations, coursework discussions, and best practices.
Some might say that schools should focus only on academics, but if schools teach only academic skills and completely ignore social, emotional, and cognitive skills, then they are not preparing students with what they will need to join the workforce and navigate the modern world.
As technology increasingly takes over jobs, human skills that can’t be replaced by artificial intelligence or machines will matter more and will be more highly valued by employers. A variety of sources – ranging from LinkedIn to Forbes to the World Economic Forum – have published lists of the most in-demand skills that workers will need now and into the future. These skills all involve social-emotional and cognitive capabilities.
Empathy Adaptability
Problem Solving Innovation
Critical thinking Negotiation
Creativity Cognitive Flexibility
Communication Leadership
Collaboration/teamwork Resilience
Emotional intelligence Active listening
Persuasion
Additionally, social-emotional and cognitive development doesn’t just prepare students for their futures; it benefits them right now. Research shows that an education that promotes SEL has a positive impact on a wide range of outcomes, including academic performance, classroom behavior, mental health wellness, and more.
Researchers also found that even when students hadn’t participated in SEL for years, their academic performance was an average of 13% higher than students who had never participated.
Cineas, Fabiola. “ Conservatives’ War on Emotions in the Classroom.” Vox, 13 Feb. 2023,
http://www.vox.com/the-highlight/23584837/social-emotional-learning-conservative-culture-war-in-schools.
