Social-emotional learning (SEL) is not a new concept in education, but its importance has gained considerable attention in recent years. In 2023, there’s a noticeable shift towards incorporating SEL into the curriculum as schools acknowledge the role emotional well-being plays in academic success.

SEL refers to the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, establish and maintain positive relationships, feel and show empathy for others, make responsible decisions, and set and achieve positive goals. Research has shown that students who receive SEL instruction have improved attitudes and behaviors, reduced emotional stress, and better academic performance.

This year, we’ve seen education boards and schools worldwide integrating SEL strategies into their policies and curriculums. One popular approach is embedding SEL into all subject areas, making it a core part of the learning process, rather than a standalone topic.

Moreover, teacher training programs now place more emphasis on providing educators with the necessary tools to facilitate SEL in their classrooms. They are taught to model social-emotional competencies and create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment where every student feels valued and understood.

These shifts underline the growing understanding that academic skills alone are not enough for a student’s overall development. As we move forward, the holistic approach to education, which includes SEL, is expected to become an integral part of the learning journey.