The primary concern I have with social-emotional learning (SEL) is the tendency to shift the full responsibility for life events to the learner in question. It's too easy to say that the challenges they face are a result of poor self-awareness or bad decision-making, instead of social, structural and economic factors beyond their control. Different aspects of SEL are cultural markers rather than skills in and of themselves; self-promotion and entrepreneurship, for example, are seen as positive traits in some cultures but are considered rude and boorish in others. At the same time, many aspects of SEL are, like mathematics and critical thinking, basic tools people can use to improve their prospects in life. Some guides manage this balance well, some (like this one) try, and some are completely insensitive to it. See also: Elementary School Activities, Middle School Activities and High School Activities to Promote SEL in Digital Life, by the same author.
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