Qualitative Study on Integration of Social-Emotional-Learning to Improve Learning Outcome at (1)
Qualitative Study on Integration of Social-Emotional-Learning to Improve Learning Outcome at (1)
Adamu Babale3
[email protected]
08036525706
1
Yobe State University, Nigeria
2
Ramat Polytechnics Maiduguri, Nigeria
3
Nuhu Sanusi Polytechnic Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria
4
Umar Ibn Ibrahim College of Education, Science & Technology Bama, Borno State
Abstract
This study explores the integration of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in improving learning outcomes in Northeast Nigeria,
a region grappling with conflict and socio-economic challenges. SEL promotes emotional intelligence, resilience, and
interpersonal skills, which are critical for academic and life success. It was a descriptive survey research design that adopted a
using qualitative approach was adopted for the study. Data were collected using focus group discussion and in-depth interviews
conducted with teachers, students, and policymakers in Borno Adamawa and Yobe states, Nigeria alongside a review of SEL
program documents implemented in similar contexts. The data collected was analysed using thematic analysis. The study
concludes that Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) has the potential to enhance education, improve emotional stability, promote
peacebuilding, and reduce conflict in Northeast Nigeria. Equipping students with SEL skills fosters resilience, social
interaction, and academic success in conflict-affected areas. For SEL to be effective, it requires cultural adaptation, community
involvement in policy formation, and teacher capacity building to ensure widespread adoption and sustainability. Based on the
findings the recommends that the Northeast states government should develop policies to integrate Social-Emotional Learning
(SEL) into the curriculum, with adaptations for conflict-affected areas; Train and re-train teachers on SEL programs should be
prioritised to equip educators with the necessary skills and resources for effective implementation; and foster collaboration
between the government, parents, religious leaders, and local communities is essential to address cultural concerns, ensure
acceptance, and promote the sustainability of SEL initiatives.
Keyword: Socio-Emotional Learning, Positive Social Relationship, Academic Outcomes, Emotional Well-being.
Introduction
The Northeast region of Nigeria has been significantly affected by prolonged insurgency, displacement, and socio-
economic challenges, resulting in widespread disruptions to education. Many schools have been destroyed, access to quality
education is limited, and students face high levels of trauma and psychosocial stress. These challenges have led to poor
academic performance, low school attendance, and a lack of social and emotional skills among students. Social Emotional
Learning (SEL) offers a framework to address these issues by fostering emotional regulation, empathy, and interpersonal skills
(Durlak et al., 2011). In conflict-affected settings like Northeast Nigeria, SEL programs have been shown to promote resilience
364
Zamfara International Journal of Education (ZIJE)
The Official Journal of the Faculty of Education
Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria
Volume 4, Number 5, December, 2024
pISSN: (Hard Copy): 2814 – 1377; eISSN (Online): 2814 – 1369
www.zijefugusau.com.ng
Qualitative study on integration … (Adamu, et. al., 2024) https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15080476
and psychosocial well-being among children (World Bank, 2021). By addressing the emotional scars of conflict, SEL can
create a conducive learning and personal growth environment. This study explores how SEL can enhance educational outcomes
in Northeast Nigeria, focusing on its application in conflict-affected settings. It highlights the importance of integrating SEL
into the education system to build resilience, improve academic performance, and positive social relationships and promote
long-term socio-emotional well-being. The integration of SEL in the Nigerian educational frameworks remains limited because
only little of stakeholders know its effectiveness in the conflict-ridden context. This study tends to address the gap by exploring
how SEL can be integrated into the national curriculum and improve educational outcomes and the socio-economic and well-
being of students in Northeast, Nigeria. More so, to identify problems of SEL implementation and profound solutions in the
region, providing evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, educators and stakeholders.
The following research questions guide the study.
i. What are the academic benefits of implementing SEL activities for students at the basic school level of education in
Northeast, Nigeria?
ii. How do the SEL activities influence the emotional well-being and social skills of students in conflict-affected
communities?
iii. What are the roles of teachers, parents and education policymakers in the integration of SEL into the in North-East,
Nigeria Basic education system?
iv. How can the SEL program in Basic education be adapted to align with the socio-cultural, and economic realities of
Northeast Nigeria?
v. What are the challenges and possible solutions of SEL implementation at Basic school level of education in the
Northeast Nigeria education system?
A descriptive research design adopting a qualitative approach aims to systematically describe the situation of students in
Northeast Nigeria and the impact of SEL programs in educational settings of the region. Data were collected using focus group
discussion and in-depth interviews conducted with teachers, students, and policymakers in Borno Adamawa and Yobe states,
Nigeria alongside a review of SEL program documents implemented in similar contexts. The data collected was analysed using
thematic analysis.
365
Zamfara International Journal of Education (ZIJE)
The Official Journal of the Faculty of Education
Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria
Volume 4, Number 5, December, 2024
pISSN: (Hard Copy): 2814 – 1377; eISSN (Online): 2814 – 1369
www.zijefugusau.com.ng
Qualitative study on integration … (Adamu, et. al., 2024) https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15080476
The Role of SEL in Enhanced Emotional and Social Competence in Basic Education
In conflict-affected areas, children often experience trauma that impacts their ability to learn and interact socially.
SEL programs provide tools to address these issues by helping students develop emotional regulation and resilience. Studies
conducted in post-conflict regions such as South Sudan and Syria found that SEL improved students' emotional well-being,
reduced aggressive behaviours, and fostered better peer relationships (World Bank, 2021). Social and Emotional Learning
(SEL) has demonstrated significant positive impacts in Northeast Nigeria, a region affected by conflict and displacement.
Studies indicate that SEL programs help children and adolescents develop emotional regulation skills, enabling them to manage
stress, anxiety, and trauma more effectively. For instance, interventions implemented in internally displaced persons (IDP)
camps showed marked improvements in participants' ability to identify and manage emotions, which contributed to better
mental health outcomes (Obiakor et al., 2020). SEL addresses the emotional needs of children by providing a safe environment
for expressing feelings and managing stress. This is critical in Northeast Nigeria, where children face multiple stressors such
as displacement, poverty, and insecurity (UNICEF, 2022). Social Emotional Learning (SEL) equips individuals with essential
competencies such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making
(CASEL, 2022). These competencies are not only foundational for academic success but also for overall well-being. Studies
have shown that SEL helps mitigate behavioural issues, enhances emotional resilience, and reduces symptoms of anxiety and
depression (Taylor et al., 2017).
The Role of SEL in Promoting Peacebuilding and Reducing Community Conflict in Basic education
SEL plays a critical role in peacebuilding efforts in Northeast Nigeria. By addressing the root causes of aggression and
promoting empathy, SEL initiatives help reduce tensions between conflicting groups. Programs like the “Education in
Emergencies” framework have incorporated SEL to teach nonviolent communication and collaborative problem-solving,
fostering mutual understanding among youth from diverse backgrounds (UNICEF, 2021). Furthermore, SEL contributes to
reintegration efforts for former child soldiers and other marginalized groups. Skills in emotional regulation and interpersonal
interaction are crucial for their rehabilitation and acceptance back into society (Benson et al., 2020). These initiatives also
empower young people to become agents of peace within their communities, thereby reducing cycles of violence and fostering
long-term stability. By teaching empathy, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills, SEL fosters positive peer relationships
and reduces bullying and aggression. These skills are important in fostering social cohesion in a region marked by ethnic and
religious tensions (Ajayi et al., 2020). Adaptability of SEL to align with the sociocultural and economic realities of Northeast.
The SEL program can be adapted to align with the socio-cultural, and economic realities of Northeast Nigeria.
366
Zamfara International Journal of Education (ZIJE)
The Official Journal of the Faculty of Education
Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria
Volume 4, Number 5, December, 2024
pISSN: (Hard Copy): 2814 – 1377; eISSN (Online): 2814 – 1369
www.zijefugusau.com.ng
Qualitative study on integration … (Adamu, et. al., 2024) https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15080476
Discussion of Findings
Improved Academic Outcomes through SEL in Basic education
The findings revealed that students who participated in SEL programs demonstrated better academic outcomes,
particularly in literacy and numeracy. Teachers reported that SEL-equipped students showed increased focus, perseverance,
and tolerance, leading to better academic performance. These outcomes align with Durlak et al. (2011), who found that SEL
interventions improve academic performance. The study corroborates Ajayi et al.'s (2020) findings in Nigerian IDP camps,
where SEL improved student engagement and learning outcomes, even in challenging environments.
367
Zamfara International Journal of Education (ZIJE)
The Official Journal of the Faculty of Education
Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria
Volume 4, Number 5, December, 2024
pISSN: (Hard Copy): 2814 – 1377; eISSN (Online): 2814 – 1369
www.zijefugusau.com.ng
Qualitative study on integration … (Adamu, et. al., 2024) https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15080476
and interpersonal skills fosters positive relationships among students and reduces bullying and aggression. This aligns with
Ajayi et al. (2020), who highlighted the significance of SEL in promoting social cohesion in regions characterized by ethnic
and religious tensions. These skills are critical for building harmonious interactions and addressing the challenges of diversity
in the region. The shared perspectives of parents and teachers in Northeast Nigeria reinforce the importance of integrating SEL
into educational programs to address not only academic challenges but also social and emotional issues. By fostering
peacebuilding, promoting social cohesion, and supporting marginalized groups, SEL contributes to long-term stability and
community resilience in the region (Adamu, 2019).
Adaptability of SEL to align with the sociocultural and economic realities of Northeast
The findings of the study revealed that the perspectives of teachers and students in Northeast Nigeria aligned with
existing literature on the adaptability of SEL with norms, values and beliefs of the people of the area to achieve its objective of
improving educational outcomes. Teachers and parents recognize the need for culturally appropriate SEL programs to address
the socio-economic and trauma-related challenges faced by students. This aligns with the findings of Elias et al. (1997), who
emphasized the importance of tailoring SEL programs to local values and norms for greater acceptance and impact.
Additionally, this study revealed that teachers' and parents’ participation in the implementation of SEL mirrors Adamu’s (2019)
that community participation enhances school enrolment, attendance, and retention. Similarly, the recognition of trauma-
informed practices for rebuilding resilience in children of Northeast Nigeria echoes the findings of Taylor et al. (2017),
highlighting the necessity of equipping schools with programs to support students’ emotional well-being in conflict-affected
areas. These aligned views underscore the importance of designing SEL programs that reflect local realities, involve key
stakeholders, and address both academic and psychosocial needs, ultimately contributing to improved educational outcomes.
368
Zamfara International Journal of Education (ZIJE)
The Official Journal of the Faculty of Education
Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria
Volume 4, Number 5, December, 2024
pISSN: (Hard Copy): 2814 – 1377; eISSN (Online): 2814 – 1369
www.zijefugusau.com.ng
Qualitative study on integration … (Adamu, et. al., 2024) https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15080476
Challenges in SEL Implementation in Basic education
Although most respondents viewed SEL is playing a vital role in managing children's socio-emotional behaviour the study
revealed there are significant challenges in implementing SEL in Northeast Nigeria, as outlined by teachers and parents as
follows:
i. Inadequate Socio-Emotional Learning Teachers: There is a limited number of teachers undergone SEL training, and
most of the teachers lack the skills to handle SEL lessons in their respective classrooms.
ii. Teachers and parents felt that most of the available SEL materials were borrowed from the white men's land concepts,
around respect, emotional expression and conflict resolution needed to be adapted into the local northeast context which
is aligned with the norms and values of people of the Northeast. This finding resonates with Ajayi et al.'s (2020)
recommendation that the SEL program must be culturally sensitive to ensure acceptance and effectiveness.
iii. Limited SEL Resources: The findings of this study revealed that most of the in Northeast Nigeria have limited or no
basic SEL resources to implement SEL programs in their schools’ systemic challenges in conflict-affected areas as also
highlighted by UNICEF (2022) and call for targeted investment in education in such regions.
iv. The study identified a gap in teacher training and policy support for SEL implementation. While the benefits of SEL
were evident, its integration into the curriculum remains limited.
Conclusion
The study concludes that the SEL program has the transformative potential of enhancing educational outcomes,
improving emotional stability, promoting peacebuilding and reducing community conflict in Northeast Nigeria. Equipping
students with essential skills can address the unique challenges of conflict-affected areas, fostering resilience, positive social
interaction and academic success. Having culturally adapted SEL programs, involving the local community in the formation of
SEL policy formation and implementation, and teachers’ capacity building to ensure widespread adoption of SEL programs
are the preconditions of SEL achieving its purpose.
Recommendations
Despite these challenges, the findings underscore the potential of SEL to transform education in Northeast Nigeria. Key
recommendations include:
1. The Northeast state government should provide policies for the integration of SEL into the state curriculum and
implementation in classrooms with specific adaptations for conflict-affected areas.
2. The Northeast state government should train and re-train large-scale teachers on programs focused on SEL and should be
prioritized to equip educators with the necessary skills and resources required for the implementation of the SEL programs.
3. Collaboratively involvement and participation of state governments parents, religious leaders, and local communities in
SEL initiatives can address cultural concerns and ensure buy-in and sustainability.
4. This suggests that the inclusion of SEL in schools across Northeast Nigeria could address significant educational disparities
caused by prolonged conflict, providing students with the skills needed to overcome academic and personal challenges.
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The Official Journal of the Faculty of Education
Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria
Volume 4, Number 5, December, 2024
pISSN: (Hard Copy): 2814 – 1377; eISSN (Online): 2814 – 1369
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