What does the term "social-emotional learning" refer to in school counseling?

The term "social-emotional learning" refers to the process through which students learn to understand and manage their emotions, establish and maintain positive relationships, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, and make responsible decisions. This holistic approach is about developing skills that help students navigate their social interactions and emotional experiences, both within school and in their personal lives.

By focusing on self-awareness, self-regulation, social skills, relationship building, and responsible decision-making, social-emotional learning aims to create a supportive environment where students can thrive emotionally and socially. This contributes significantly to their overall well-being and academic success, as students who are emotionally and socially competent tend to perform better in school, have improved attitudes towards themselves and others, and exhibit fewer behavioral problems.

In contrast, the other options presented focus on narrower or different aspects of education, such as academics, competition, or life skills, which do not encompass the broader goals of social-emotional learning.