SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING AS A TOOL FOR DEVELOPING EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AMONG STUDENTS

Abstract

In modern education, academic achievement alone is not enough to ensure students' success in life. Educational institutions are increasingly expected to support learners' emotional and social development alongside intellectual growth. It is because Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is an essential part of education and helps learners develop skills for their personal growth. Additionally, it has become one of the most effective educational approaches for developing students' emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, control, and express emotions appropriately while maintaining healthy relationships with others. SEL helps students develop self-awareness, empathy, emotional regulation, communication skills, and responsible decision-making abilities. This article examines the importance of Social-Emotional Learning in education and its role in strengthening students' emotional intelligence. The study discusses the theoretical foundations of SEL, the major components of emotional intelligence, classroom implementation strategies, the benefits of SEL programs, and the challenges schools face. The article also highlights the role of teachers, parents, and educational environments in supporting emotional development. Research findings demonstrate that students participating in SEL programs show improved academic achievement, stronger interpersonal skills, increased empathy, and reduced behavioral problems. Therefore, integrating SEL into educational systems contributes significantly to students' holistic development and prepares them for successful participation in modern society