One of the most important aspects of learning is the social and emotional environment in which it occurs. Students learn best when they feel safe, respected, and connected to both their teachers and peers. Social and emotional conditions influence engagement, motivation, and the ability to process and retain new information. When students experience stress, exclusion, or bullying, cognitive resources are often redirected toward managing emotions, reducing attention and performance.

Research by Dorothy Espelage on bullying shows that negative peer interactions significantly affect learning outcomes. Educational psychology provides evidence that fostering positive relationships, teaching social skills, and promoting emotional regulation can improve both academic achievement and student wellbeing. Key concepts such as emotional regulation, social connectedness, and empathy help educators interpret this evidence and design supportive learning environments.

These insights extend beyond schools. In higher education, workplaces, and community learning, supportive social and emotional conditions enhance engagement and long-term growth. Employees and learners benefit from mentorship, collaboration, and environments that encourage risk-taking without fear of judgment. Creating such conditions helps individuals persist through challenges, build resilience, and develop problem-solving skills.

Overall, social and emotional conditions are central to effective learning. Educational psychology provides both the evidence and frameworks to help educators, trainers, and community leaders foster environments that support cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Suggested Media:

Classroom Climate and Learning Diagram
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Classroom_climate.png

Social and Emotional Learning Framework
https://casel.org/what-is-sel/

Infographic on Bullying and Student Wellbeing
https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/library

References:

Espelage, D. L., & Swearer, S. M. (2004). Research on school bullying and victimization: What we have learned and where do we go from here. School Psychology Review, 33(3), 365-383.

CASEL. (2020). What is social and emotional learning. https://casel.org/what-is-sel/

Zins, J. E., Weissberg, R. P., Wang, M. C., & Walberg, H. J. (2004). Building academic success on social and emotional learning: What does the research say? Teachers College Press.