1. Emotional Intelligence
Definition: Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and influence one’s own emotions and the emotions of others.
Classroom Example: A student recognizes their frustration during a group activity and takes a short break to self-regulate before returning to contribute constructively.
Citation: Goleman, D. (1995). *Emotional Intelligence*. Bantam Books.
2. Empathy
Definition: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, often leading to compassionate behavior.
Classroom Example: After noticing a classmate is upset, a student offers to help clean up their spilled supplies.
Citation: Decety, J., & Jackson, P. L. (2006). A social–neuroscience perspective on empathy. *Current Directions in Psychological Science*, 15(2), 54–58.
3. Self-Regulation
Definition: Self-regulation is the ability to control one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in pursuit of long-term goals and in alignment with social expectations.
Classroom Example: A student uses deep-breathing techniques to stay calm when receiving constructive criticism on an assignment.
Citation: Baumeister, R. F., & Vohs, K. D. (2004). Handbook of self-regulation: Research, theory, and applications. Guilford Press.
4. Social Awareness
Definition: Social awareness is the ability to perceive and understand social cues and the perspectives of others, including individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Classroom Example: During a class discussion, a student listens attentively and acknowledges a classmate’s different perspective with respect and curiosity.
Citation: Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). (2020). SEL Framework.
5. Relationship Skills
Definition: Relationship skills refer to the ability to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships through communication, cooperation, conflict resolution, and seeking help when needed.
Classroom Example: Students working in a group project delegate roles and support one another in meeting their shared deadline.
Citation: Durlak, J. A., et al. (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis. *Child Development*, 82(1), 405–432.
6. Responsible Decision-Making
Definition: Responsible decision-making involves making caring and constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions based on ethical standards, safety concerns, and social norms.
Classroom Example: A student chooses to report bullying to a trusted adult rather than ignore it, understanding the consequences of inaction.
Citation: CASEL. (2020). Core SEL Competencies.
7. Habits of Mind
Definition: Habits of Mind are a set of 16 problem-solving, life-related skills identified by Arthur L. Costa and Bena Kallick that support thoughtful and intelligent behavior when faced with challenges.
Classroom Example: A teacher encourages persistence by praising students for sticking with a difficult math problem instead of giving up, modeling one of the 16 Habits of Mind.
Citation: Costa, A. L., & Kallick, B. (2000). *Habits of Mind: A Developmental Series*. ASCD.
8. Self-Awareness
Definition: The ability to accurately recognize one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior. This includes assessing one’s strengths and limitations with a well-grounded sense of confidence and purpose.
Classroom Example: A student identifies that they feel frustrated when they don’t understand a concept and develops a strategy to ask for help rather than giving up.
Citation: CASEL. (2020). *Core SEL Competencies*.
9. Growth Mindset
Definition: The belief that one’s abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. This contrasts with a fixed mindset, where abilities are seen as static traits.
Classroom Example: A teacher praises a student for their effort and perseverance in solving a challenging problem, reinforcing the idea that their intelligence can grow.
Citation: Dweck, C. S. (2006). *Mindset: The new psychology of success*. Random House.
10. Conflict Resolution
Definition: The process of resolving disputes or disagreements in a constructive and peaceful manner, often involving communication, negotiation, and mediation skills.
Classroom Example: Two students who disagree on how to complete a group project use a peer mediation strategy taught in class to find a mutually agreeable solution.
Citation: Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (1996). *Conflict resolution and peer mediation programs in elementary and secondary schools: A review of the research*. Review of Educational Research, *66*(4), 459–502.
11. Emotional Regulation
Definition: The ability to manage and respond to an emotional experience in a way that is socially tolerable and flexible enough to permit spontaneous reactions as well as a delay of spontaneous reactions as needed.
Classroom Example: A student who feels angry after a peer insults them takes a deep breath and counts to ten before responding, rather than immediately yelling back.
Citation: Gross, J. J. (1998). The emerging field of emotion regulation: An integrative review. *Review of General Psychology*, *2*(3), 271–299.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Key concepts and practices that foster emotional intelligence, positive relationships, and responsible decision-making.