The Brain's Role in Social and Emotional Learning

Some experts name this a higher predictor of success than academic performance. Whether it’s referred to as social and emotional learning (SEL), soft skills, character development, emotional literacy, or emotional intelligence (EQ) – it is fundamentally how we engage in the world. It shapes the degree to which we are aware of ourselves and others, and therefore regulate ourselves, and enables us to engage in positive and productive relationships within our communities.  

"The social and emotional skills that children need to succeed in school and in life can and should be taught just like academic subjects." 
— Linda Darling-Hammond, Educational researcher and policy expert 

It’s clear that strong social and emotional learning opportunities must exist in schools, so how do we ensure our students can access them?  

Why It Matters 

The brain plays a crucial role in social emotional well-being, governing our actions and reactions, our emotions, and our perception and interpretation of others and the situation at hand.  

While the brain is involved in all learning and performance, and no cognitive function is ever operating is complete isolation, some processes in particular play a heightened role in social and emotional learning.  

Let’s examine three cognitive processes in context of social and emotional learning, behaviour, and overall wellness: 

Fluid Reasoning 

Fluid reasoning refers to the ability to think logically and solve problems in novel situations, independent of acquired knowledge. In the context of SEL: 

• Problem-Solving: Fluid reasoning enables individuals to analyze social situations, recognize emotional cues, and develop appropriate responses. This is vital for navigating complex interpersonal dynamics and resolving conflicts effectively. 

• Adaptability: Strong fluid reasoning allows students to adapt their behavior and thinking to new social contexts, enhancing their ability to connect with others and manage changing circumstances. 

• Critical Thinking: This cognitive ability fosters critical thinking, which is crucial for self-reflection and evaluating one’s emotions and behaviors, leading to better self-regulation and emotional awareness. 

Processing Speed 

Processing speed refers to the pace at which individuals can understand and respond to information. Its importance in SEL includes: 

• Quick Decision-Making: Fast processing speed helps individuals make timely decisions in social situations, such as identifying when someone needs support or when to intervene in a conflict. 

• Emotional Regulation: The ability to process emotional information quickly aids in recognizing and managing one’s feelings and the emotions of others, promoting healthier responses to stress and anxiety. 

• Engagement in Learning: Higher processing speed can enhance a student’s engagement in discussions and activities, allowing for more active participation in social interactions and group work. 

 Conceptual Understanding 

Conceptual understanding involves grasping the underlying principles and ideas behind knowledge. In SEL, this is crucial for: 

• Empathy Development: A strong conceptual understanding allows individuals to appreciate different perspectives and emotions, fostering empathy and deeper social connections. 

• Self-Awareness: Understanding the concepts of emotions, behaviours, and social norms helps students reflect on their actions and their impact on others, which is fundamental for personal growth and emotional intelligence. 

• Conflict Resolution: With a solid grasp of social concepts, individuals can better navigate conflicts, understanding the motivations and feelings of those involved, which leads to more effective resolutions. 

Symbol Relations at the Heart of Learning 

What do these processes have in common? They are shaped by the Symbol Relations cognitive function, a region in the brain’s parietal-occipital temporal lobes and considered “higher order” due to its involvement in virtually all intellectual activity. It is the cognitive function that enables us to make connections, understand, use logic and process the complexity of our world, and even ourselves.  

Learn more about Symbol Relations and its impact on learning. 

Neuroplasticity in Context of SEL 

Neuroplasticity is the brain's remarkable ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. In an educational context, this adaptability presents a powerful opportunity: by engaging in targeted training, students can optimize their brain’s ability to learn, including social and emotional skills.   

In fact, research on students participating in an exercise designed to target and enhance the Symbol Relations function has led to significant gains in:  

• Fluid reasoning 

• Cognitive flexibility  

• Processing speed 

• Conceptual understanding 

Sound familiar? The very qualities that support social and emotional learning and positive behaviour.  

Read about this and related research.

Building A Stronger Capacity in the SEL Zones 

Incorporating 30 minutes of daily cognitive programming can measurably impact students’ fluid reasoning, processing speed, and conceptual understanding.  

“There seems to be a story here [with Arrowsmith outcomes] about cognitive efficiency which includes working memory and attention and learning, the capacity to learn new things. These are really important cognitive skills for success at school and life in general.”  

— Dr. Rachel Weber,  University of British Columbia, Canada  

 When a cognitive approach is built into a SEL framework, students’ brains are more readily prepared to fully capitalize from the opportunities.  Schools that use Arrowsmith are building a truly evolved view of education -one that includes the brain.  This integration of cognitive programming into a school enriches the social and emotional learning experience for every student, and empowers educators to create more positive classrooms. A neuroeducational approach that transform students, schools, and society as a whole.  

Creating a Brain-Friendly Classroom  

Simple strategies like incorporating movement, ensuring a positive emotional environment, and providing opportunities for mindfulness, can all prime the brain for optimal engagement. Talking to students about their learning experiences and encouraging reflection – called metacognition - can also be a great way of encouraging awareness. For those looking to take this approach even further, neuroeducational approaches like Arrowsmith offer a structured and intentional approach that tap into the brain’s natural ability to adapt and grow. Programs designed to build cognitive, academic, and social-emotional capacity, mean providing students with a strong brain, and a clear path towards long-term learning and growth.