SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL) RESEARCH

Abstract

In educational research, social and emotional learning (SEL) has gained significant attention as a means of supporting students' entire development in addition to their academic success. This chapter follows the development of SEL from its beginnings in early ideas of education to its present state as a multidisciplinary field encompassing education, psychology, and neuroscience. The chapter explores how SEL affects academic achievement, highlighting research from significant meta-analyses and extensive studies that underscore how important emotional regulation is for improving learning. The chapter also discusses implementation best practices and obstacles for SEL programs, highlighting the significance of cultural sensitivity, teacher preparation, and program integrity. Through case studies of effective SEL implementation, the variety in program efficacy is investigated. Another important topic discussed is the assessment of SEL competencies, along with an examination of the measurement difficulties and the creative solutions created to deal with them. The chapter also explores SEL's role in advancing equity, looking at how culturally responsive teaching methods can meet the needs of a variety of students and help close achievement inequalities. The topic of SEL research's future is finally covered, emphasising new directions including the use of technology and an emphasis on adult SEL. In order to fully achieve the promise of SEL research to influence education and society, the chapter ends by pointing out research gaps and outlining potential future approaches. This emphasises the necessity for ongoing investment in SEL research. This thorough summary offers insightful information for academics, educators, and policymakers by providing a thorough examination of the state of SEL research now and its implications for the future.