ABSTRACT
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is valuable inherently, but it also increases academic achievement. Students with developed social-emotional abilities set higher academic goals, have greater self-discipline, and are better able to organize and plan their learning activities to achieve academic goals. One study analyzed the long-term economic impact of SEL programs and found that every dollar invested yielded $11 in returns by reducing crime, increasing lifetime earnings, and promoting better mental and physical health. The best way to develop social and emotional skills is through a combination of everyday reinforcement, for example through classroom norms and rituals, and direct instruction. Cognitive and emotional processes help develop social and emotional skills. Active strategies, such as projects involving volunteering, perspective taking, root-cause analysis, and long-term planning are all effective methods to increase SEL. The good news is that social and emotional skills can be developed.
