Social and Emotional Learning

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is a catch all term for a series of school-based programmes designed to teach children a range of personal and social life skills including relationship building, social skills, empathy, conflict resolution, problem solving, emotional awareness and self-management. It should be noted that some programmes also include drug prevention, suicide awareness and anti-bullying initiatives. The term is used interchangeably with social and emotional wellbeing, emotional literacy, social and emotional intelligence, character education, mental health and wellbeing, and emotional intelligence. Indeed, the fluid range of terms associated with SEL programmes is both an indicator of the need for education to speak of SEL and a reflection of how closely associated the concept is with public and mass media discourses. It is also a cause for some confusion in the field and has impacted on the research agenda. This entry will present an overview of SEL examining its roots, application and the research both driving and critiquing the concept.