Transformative Social Emotional Learning for a Sustainable EFL Education

Abstract

Social emotional learning (SEL) can be defined as a process in which individuals make responsible decisions and choices by managing their emotions, setting goals, establishing positive relationships with empathy towards others. This chapter aims to discuss the current SEL literature through a transformative lens of social justice and equity for a sustainable educational future. With this purpose in mind, this chapter reviews the following issues: fundamentals of SEL along with core components, the crucial role of SEL in celebrating diversity, promoting equity in EFL classes through SEL, and benefits of SEL integrated foreign language learning and teaching. Moreover, applications of transformative SEL integration methods and strategies are addressed. Based on the current review, some implications for educators on how to integrate SEL key components into their teaching contexts and suggestions for further research to enhance equity and sustainability in the field of foreign language education are yielded.