Teaching for Resilience: Integrating Socio-Emotional Learning into English Language Pedagogy in Iraqi EFL Classrooms

الملخص

Social and emotional learning (SEL) as an integral part of education and human development. SEL is a process through which young people and adults develop important life skills. It helps individuals build healthy identities and manage their emotions. SEL supports achieving personal and social goals. It encourages empathy and understanding toward others. It also helps people create and maintain positive relationships.This study investigates the integration of (SEL) into English language pedagogy to enhance resilience among Iraqi EFL students. Conducted at Al-Sadiqah Preparatory School with 33 fifth-grade preparatory girls, the research examined teacher education, effective teaching practices, and students’ roles in receiving SEL. Classroom observations, structured activities, and teacher feedback measured engagement, collaboration, emotional awareness, emotional regulation, and empathy. The findings indicate that SEL positively influences both linguistic proficiency and socio-emotional development, highlighting the importance of culturally responsive strategies and continuous teacher support in Iraqi classrooms. This study contributes to the field by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of SEL in EFL contexts within Iraqi schools, highlighting the need for culturally responsive teaching strategies and sustained teacher support. It also offers practical pedagogical insights for educators seeking to incorporate SEL into language classrooms to foster resilience, emotional well-being, and academic success among learners