The Importance of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) for Online Learners

From: Your Student Engagement Team

At Odyssey Online Learning, we recognize that in online education support of students’ social and emotional development is critical to their overall success. Social and Emotional Learning, or SEL, focuses on developing the skills necessary to manage emotions, build relationships, and make responsible decisions. For students at Odyssey Online Learning, SEL is essential for multiple reasons.

Fostering Connection and Community

Online learning can often feel isolating. Without face-to-face interactions, students may struggle to form connections with peers, teachers, and staff. When students feel connected, they are more engaged and motivated to participate. At Odyssey Online Learning, we offer opportunities for collaboration including class discussion forums, group activities in live lessons, online clubs, and in-person events that create an improved sense of belonging in our school community.

Enhancing Emotional Well-Being

When students join Odyssey Online, the shift to online education can feel overwhelming, leading to feelings of anxiety and stress. As with any school deadlines and projects can also be a source of stress. SEL equips students with the tools to recognize and manage their emotions effectively.  Further, SEL programs reduce disruptive behavior problems and emotional distress (Greenburg, 2023). Techniques like mindfulness, journaling, and open discussions about feelings can foster resilience, helping students navigate the challenges of remote learning. Additionally, our School Counseling team is available to assist any student at Odyssey Online Learning.

Promoting Self-Regulation

At Odyssey Online Learning, there are two types of attendance- synchronous live lessons and asynchronous assignment completion. Online learners who are completing assignments from home need to be self-directed, which requires strong time management skills and self-discipline. SEL teaches skills such as goal-setting and self-monitoring, which empower students to take ownership of their learning. Your Odyssey Online Learning Student Engagement Specialist is trained especially to help you to foster your growth through the development of self-regulation skills. By developing self-regulation skills, students can better manage their responsibilities and stay motivated. 

Cultivating Empathy and Understanding

In our diverse online classrooms, fostering empathy is vital. Odyssey Online Learning encourages students to appreciate different perspectives, which enhances their ability to collaborate and communicate effectively. Many classes include assignments that promote cultural awareness and empathy which help to create a supportive environment where all student voices are valued.

Improving Academic Outcomes

Research indicates that SEL not only benefits emotional health, but also correlates with improved academic performance. According to Durlak & Colleagues, SEL program participants experienced an 11-percentile-point gain in academic achievement (2011). Our Student Engagement Team, Teachers, and Staff recognize that when students feel secure and supported, they are more likely to engage actively and strive for academic excellence. Integrating SEL into the Odyssey Online Learning experience can thus lead to better educational outcomes.

Building Lifelong Skills

Research shows that stronger social and emotional skills contribute to positive lifetime outcomes up to 18 years later (Taylor, et. al, 2017). At Odyssey Online Learning, we believe that the skills learned through SEL extend beyond the classroom. They prepare students for future challenges in their personal and professional lives. By focusing on social and emotional competencies, we strive to help learners become more adaptable, resilient, and successful in their future endeavors.

Conclusion

We believe that incorporating Social and Emotional Learning into online education is not just beneficial; it is essential. By prioritizing SEL, our staff strives to create a more supportive and enriching learning environment that promotes emotional well-being, fosters community, and ultimately leads to greater academic success. At Odyssey Online Learning, we commit to nurturing the whole learner- Empower, Achieve, Succeed!

References

Durlak J. A., Weissberg R. P., Dymnicki A. B., Taylor R. D., Schellinger K. B. (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis of school-based universal interventions. Child Development, 82(1), 405–432.

Greenberg, M. (2023). Evidence for social and emotional learning in schools [Brief]. Learning Policy Institute. https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/evidence-social-emotional- learning-schools-brief

Taylor, Rebecca D., Oberle, Eva, Durlak, Joseph A, Weissberg, Roger P. (2017). Promoting Positive Youth Development Through School-Based Social and Emotional Learning Interventions: A Meta-Analysis of Follow-Up Effects. Child Development 88 (4), 1156-1171.