Home » Mindful Education: Tech-Driven Approaches to Social-Emptional Learning in Schools

Modern schools now have the added responsibility of supporting students in developing Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) skills alongside academic knowledge. This means aiding students in forming a positive self-image, building meta-cognitive skills, fostering effective peer communication, and demonstrating empathy. While these skills may not reflect in standardized tests, they are essential for producing well-adjusted, successful adults.

Technology serves as a powerful facilitator, allowing students to gather information and convey their ideas in new, authentic ways, such as through video sharing or virtual presentations. When educational institutions employ technology to teach SEL skills, it enhances both its reach and effectiveness, making SEL more impactful than ever.

Join us as we uncover tech-powered methods to cultivate emotionally intelligent learners who are ready to thrive in all aspects of life.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes the integration of SEL in schools to foster holistic development. It advocates for a curriculum that includes key SEL components such as self awareness, self management, social awareness, empathy, and responsible decision making. The aim is to nurture well-rounded individuals that are equipped for both academic and real-life challenges.

Using edtech to foster SEL skills in students is a great way to equip them with 21st century skills and make them future ready. Here are 4 powerful strategies to utilize tech in order to boost SEL in classrooms:

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Offer Teacher Training on SEL Tech Integration

Conduct mentorship programs or workshops focused on training educators to use digital tools that build SEL skills. This program can include hands-on training sessions, collaborative lesson planning, and lectures by guest experts to help teachers learn and apply these skills to their instructional practices.

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Create Opportunities for Virtual SEL Activities

Host virtual clubs and activities centered around SEL themes, such as kindness challenges, collaborative art projects, or games that promote emotional literacy and empathy. These can be complemented with digital journals or apps that facilitate mindfulness and meditation exercises to help students practice self regulation and build necessary SEL skills.

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Integrate Educational Apps to Personalize Learning

Leverage adaptive learning platforms that adjust content based on individual student performance and also focus on SEL skill building. Look for activities that focus on empathy building, self reflection, and gamified learning. Teachers can use applications like Extramarks Smart Class Plus to assign differentiated tasks and SEL activities based on individual student needs and use the app’s data-driven insights to provide targeted support.

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Implement Project-Based Learning (PBL)

Create interdisciplinary PBL units that address real-world challenges and require collaborative efforts. Such projects encourage students to develop empathy, communication, and conflict resolution skills. Teachers can facilitate SEL-focused reflections and peer assessments throughout the projects, helping students develop strong social-emotional skills through real-world problem solving.

Social-emotional skills are crucial for preparing students for future challenges, fostering resilience, empathy, and effective communication. Leverage Extramarks Smart Class Plus for seamless integration of SEL activities within personalized learning modules, enabling students to build emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. By incorporating SEL into daily lessons, schools can nurture well-rounded students who are prepared for a dynamic future.