Need of Social Emotional Learning among School Adolescents
Sangeeta Pethiya
*
DESSH, Regional Institute of Education, NCERT, Bhopal, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study investigates social and emotional learning (SEL) needs among secondary and senior secondary adolescents in India. It aims to find the level of students' familiarity and understanding of SEL concepts. It also explores classroom and school-based SEL activities as shared by respondents. Expectations of students from schools regarding SEL education have also been recorded. Employing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 57 adolescents aged 14-18, across eight schools in the Bhopal district, M.P., India. Questionnaire developed to capture data on students’ familiarity with SEL was administered. Findings indicate moderate SEL awareness, limited structured activities (e.g., group discussions and debates), and strong student demands for integrated programs, teacher training, and peer support to strengthen social and emotional skills. The findings underscore the urgency of embedding SEL in curricula to unlock adolescents' potential as productive citizens, offering policy and pedagogical insights for diverse school settings.
Keywords: Adolescents, social and emotional learning, mental well being, classroom practices