New study shows importance of social and emotional learning in schools
Social and emotional learning programmes in schools can deliver a wide range of benefits for adolescents, according to new research.
Conducted by the University of Texas at Austin, the research also offered evidence that this form of teaching needs to go further than many current applications, moving beyond simply teaching skills and towards making environments more respectful, and helping students to identify the values that matter most to them.
In an experiment, 400 students were asked to reflect on the issues or people of greatest personal importance to them, before being presented with stories and data about other students who had a desire to learn in order to make a difference. The teenagers were then asked to write a persuasive letter to future students to adopt a purpose for learning.
Overall, students who took part in the programme saw their academic performance improve, with low-scoring students shown to experience particularly pronounced benefits.
The study also cited evidence from previous research showing that reducing the role of authoritarian structures in teaching can help to foster a better educational climate, characterised by more authentic relationships with adults and positive, democratic group dynamics.
Additionally, it was shown that taking time to teach adolescents that social traits are malleable and not fixed can make them feel better equipped to face social challenges, rather than viewing them as threats or as realities that cannot be changed. Teenagers who internalised this idea were shown to cope better on days when they were more stressed, and ultimately achieved better grades.
David Yeager, a psychology assistant professor at the university, said: "Improving adolescents' interior social and emotional lives can spill over into other areas of functioning, because social and emotional life matters so much at this age."
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£23k - 27k per year
Location free text
Bournemouth
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£20,000 - £29,999
Sector
Secondary
Location
Bournemouth
Description
FUTURE TEACHERS PROGRAMMEBournemouth | January 2027 or September 2027 EntryTurn Your Degree into a Career in TeachingTeaching is more than a job. It's an opportunity to inspire, support and shape the
Reference
826958265982
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset & Hants SecondaryAuthor
Dorset & Hants SecondarySalary
£180 - 250 per day
Location free text
Leyland
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Geography
Location
Leyland
Description
Science TeacherLocation: LeylandStart Date: January 2027 (or sooner)Contract: Full-TimeSalary: From £180 per day (dependent on experience)Teaching Personnel is currently recruiting for a passionate an
Reference
AJB- GEOG- 13/11
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire SecondaryAuthor
Lancashire SecondarySalary
£14.25 - 14.25 per hour
Location free text
Weymouth
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Weymouth
Description
Teaching Assistant – Weymouth Immediate Start | Secondary School | Full-Time Opportunity Are you passionate about supporting young people and helping them achieve their full potential? We are currentl
Reference
WEYTA
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset & Hants SecondaryAuthor
Dorset & Hants SecondarySalary
£179.04 - 250.00 per day + benefits
Location free text
Bridgend
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Wales
Description
Secondary Teachers Required - All Subjects Bridgend Secondary Schools | Immediate Opportunities Available | Pay in-line with 2026 Core Pay ScaleTeaching Personnel is urgently seeking qualified secon
Reference
662TCALBR
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£14.25 - 15.25 per hour
Location free text
Preston
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Lancashire
Description
Teaching Assistant – Outreach ExperiencePreston, PR3 Full-Time | Monday to Friday Secondary / High School Start: January 2027Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant, Outreach Worker or Youth Worker
Reference
PR - Outreach TA
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire SecondaryAuthor
Lancashire SecondarySalary
£100 - 180 per day
Location free text
Aylesbury
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Other
Location
Aylesbury
Description
COVER SUPPLY TEACHERS & COVER SUPERVISORS – AYLESBURYAre you passionate about education? Looking for flexible work that fits around your lifestyle?We are expanding our team and looking for enthusiast
Reference
Supply Aylesbury
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Thames Valley SecondaryAuthor
Thames Valley SecondarySalary
£100 - 180 per day
Location free text
Marlow
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Other
Location
Buckinghamshire
Description
COVER SUPPLY TEACHERS & COVER SUPERVISORS – MARLOW & HIGH WYCOMBEAre you passionate about education? Looking for flexible work that fits around your lifestyle?We are expanding our team and looking fo
Reference
Supply Marlow/HW
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Thames Valley SecondaryAuthor
Thames Valley SecondarySalary
£110 - 175 per day
Location free text
Windsor
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Other
Location
Berkshire
Description
COVER SUPPLY TEACHERS & COVER SUPERVISORS – WINDSORAre you passionate about education? Looking for flexible work that fits around your lifestyle?We are expanding our team and looking for enthusiastic
Reference
Supply Windsor
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Thames Valley SecondaryAuthor
Thames Valley SecondarySalary
£120 - 150 per day
Location free text
Weymouth
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Weymouth
Description
Supply Teacher – Weymouth Immediate Start | Flexible Working | Secondary Schools Looking for flexibility without compromising on rewarding classroom experience? Teaching Personnel are recruiting Suppl
Reference
suwey
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset & Hants SecondaryAuthor
Dorset & Hants SecondarySalary
£33k - 51k per year
Location free text
Weymouth
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
£50,000 - £59,999
Sector
Science
Location
Weymouth
Description
Science Teacher – Weymouth January 2027 | Secondary Education | Full-Time Opportunity Teaching Personnel are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Science Teacher for a secondary school in Weymouth, s
Reference
sciwe
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset & Hants SecondaryAuthor
Dorset & Hants SecondaryRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
October marks Black History Month in the UK, giving schools an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, contributions and experiences of Black communities while encouraging meaningful conversati
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
As ADHD Awareness Month shines a spotlight on neurodiversity, Teaching Personnel's Ellen shares her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life and how greater awareness and understandi
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
As we celebrate National Teaching Assistants' Day 2026, we're delighted to recognise the incredible individuals who have been selected as our Teaching Assistant of the Year winners.This year,
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
After a well-earned summer break, schools across the UK are opening their doors once again for a new academic year. Whether you're returning to a familiar classroom or starting a new role, Septemb
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD08YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for changes to the way temporary staff are sourced from September 2026, many will look to work more closely with framework-approved recruitment partners. Understandin
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
Summer has only just started, and September might seem a long way off, but it will be here sooner than you think. Schools and trusts are already planning for September, with new opportunities open
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for September 2026, the shift from CCS (Crown Commercial Service) to the new GCA (Government Commercial Agency) framework marks a significant change in how supply sta
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
When schools wind down for the holidays, nurseries keep open. Many early-years settings remain open throughout the summer. Nurseries rely on skilled, caring staff to help children and
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Exams are one of the most stressful times in the academic year, and it isn’t only pupils who feel the pressure. For teaching assistants (TAs) and support staff, exam season brings new expectations
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
If you’re considering taking the next step in education, you’re not alone. More teachers and support staff are exploring permanent roles that offer stability, progression, and a sense of belonging
by
Adam Davies
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job