Future readiness through SEL competencies in the context of NEP 2020

Abstract

Education of 21st century focuses more on the holistic development of students rather than only gaining knowledge. Numerous diversions like technical revolution, globalisation, sociological etc. divert the education in such manner so that students should stabilize among social, cognitive and emotional extent. Referring this context, the role of socio-emotional learning (SEL) becomes more crucial and pivotal. SEL playing a prime role in strengthening 21st century skills like collaboration, critical thinking, empathy and adaptability. Through the process of Socio-emotional learning, students develop self-awareness, social-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, and decision-making skills (CASEL,2020). It is mentioned in the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) that the purpose of the educational paradigm is not only to promote academic success but also emotional, social, and moral values among the students. NEP primarily pivots on the future readiness of citizens and SEL is proficient to make it possible so it becomes very important. The main purpose of the given paper is to outline the role of SEL competencies in future preparedness, specifically, in the presented framework of NEP 2020. Content analysis and review of the literature are the different methods utilised to write this paper. The results reveal significant improvement in cognitive, emotional and social areas of students involved in SEL competencies. Although NEP 2020 provides a number of suggestions, their practical application presupposes a number of innovations in the curriculum, specific training of teachers, and the distribution of sufficient resources. If it were possible then SEL would help to globalise or universalize the Indian education system