VietTESOL International Convention 2026

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) has gained increasing attention worldwide due to its positive impact on student well-being, engagement, and academic success. However, despite its growing importance, SEL remains underexplored in many English language teaching contexts in Asia (Bai et al., 2024). As language learning is closely connected to emotions, confidence, relationships, and classroom interaction, integrating SEL into EFL instruction can help create more supportive and effective learning environments (Jennings & Greenberg, 2009).
This 90-minute interactive workshop introduces participants to the fundamental principles of SEL and demonstrates how these can be integrated into English language classrooms. As Vietnam moves toward an increasingly English-mediated environment, learners need not only language proficiency but also confidence, resilience, collaboration skills, and empathy to communicate effectively. Through interactive quizzes, reflective discussions, and hands-on activities, participants will experience practical SEL-based strategies that can be readily adapted to various EFL contexts.
The workshop consists of three parts: an overview of SEL in language education, a guided session featuring SEL-integrated classroom activities, and collaborative adaptation of these activities to participants’ own teaching contexts.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify key SEL principles in language education, recognize the role of emotions in learning and participation, apply simple SEL strategies to enhance classroom climate and engagement, and reflect on their own emotional experiences as teachers. Participants will leave with practical ideas and adaptable activity templates for immediate classroom use.
Designed for English language teachers, teacher trainers, and educators interested in student-centered pedagogy, this workshop offers accessible approaches to embedding SEL into everyday teaching practice.