What does the future hold?
Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash
What I think has stood out to me the most about SEL is that it’s complex and there isn’t just one way of supporting students. As a teacher, we seem to have more and more responsibilities every year and I feel it really does take a village in raising the next generation.
So how what does this all mean? My hope is that this free inquiry assignment has provided you with enough information and resources that it gives you a place to start, a little bit of knowledge and some confidence to proceed with your diverse learners. There won’t be a cookie cutter approach to SEL. Every student will have different needs but there are some things you can do with your class as a whole.
As we deal with our ‘anxious generation’ and our society’s mental health crisis, my hope is that SEL education will continue to make waves! I think SEL will only become closer to the forefront of education and learning as we move into the future. My only concern is with the boom of AI. What will that look like? Are we going to be able to create regulations and legislation around technology when it comes to our young people? And currently, there is some research pointing to AI, technology and social medial being a direct cause of mental health struggles but we really don’t have enough information to move forward and moving forward requires buy-in and everyone working together. I don’t see a future without these tools and devices. And that’s the trick. Using technology as a tool can be very beneficial and something I hope to see more of, but depending on technology solely for SEL is not healthy and should be avoided.
So like everything in life, it’s a balance! The future is uncertain. The direction we are going with technology is uncertain and probably won’t slow down anytime soon. My hope is that we continue to talk more and more about SEL and support our young people with their mental health and overall development.
And of course, this blog post would be complete without a little check in with Chatgpt. I’m curious to see what it has to say about the future of SEL.
ChatGPT’s opinion……
The future of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) looks promising and will likely continue evolving in response to technological advancements, educational priorities, and societal needs. Here are some key trends and predictions:
1. Increased Integration with Technology & AI
- SEL-focused apps & platforms: More AI-driven tools and virtual reality (VR) experiences will help students develop empathy, self-regulation, and social skills.
- Personalized learning: AI will provide real-time feedback on students’ emotional well-being and offer tailored strategies to support their growth.
- Virtual coaching & chatbots: Schools may use AI-powered mentors to help students navigate social challenges.
2. SEL in the Workplace & Beyond Schools
- Corporate training: SEL will be more embedded in professional development, especially for leadership, teamwork, and emotional intelligence.
- Lifelong learning: More adults will seek SEL training for career advancement, parenting, and personal growth.
3. Greater Emphasis on Mental Health & Well-being
- SEL as a preventive tool: Schools and workplaces will use SEL to address stress, anxiety, and burnout before they become serious issues.
- Trauma-informed practices: More institutions will integrate SEL with mental health strategies to support those affected by trauma and adversity.
4. Policy & Curriculum Expansion
- Mandatory SEL standards: More states and countries may adopt policies requiring SEL to be a part of the school curriculum.
- Integration across subjects: SEL will be woven into traditional subjects like math, science, and language arts rather than being taught separately.
5. Focus on Equity & Inclusivity
- Culturally responsive SEL: SEL programs will increasingly consider diverse backgrounds, cultures, and identities.
- Global perspective: SEL will be emphasized in global education initiatives to build empathy and cross-cultural understanding.
6. Parent & Community Involvement
- Family-focused SEL programs: More initiatives will train parents to reinforce SEL skills at home.
- Community partnerships: Schools will collaborate with organizations to create supportive environments for emotional growth.
That conversation with ChatGPT was really promising and I’m happy to see that like me, SEL continues to be at top of the list for both educators and society as a whole. I’m excited to see what the future brings us and don’t forget to keep that balance!
Hope you found this all helpful and thanks for joining me ♥️
