SOCIO-EMOTIONAL COMPETENCIES: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES IN COLOMBIAN EDUCATION

Abstract

This essay will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of socio-emotional competencies in Colombian education, considering their recognition and impact on the holistic development of children and adolescents, as well as their potential to transform pedagogical practices. The study employed a qualitative approach with an interpretive analysis, supported by a review of documents and scientific literature, educational policy guidelines, and theoretical contributions related to socio-emotional education. The analysis aimed to identify the conceptual foundations, contributions to education, and disadvantages of their implementation in Colombian education. The results demonstrate that strengthening socio-emotional competencies fosters positive school climate, emotional self-regulation, ethical and responsible decision-making, and perhaps most importantly, from an educational perspective, improves academic performance, enhances learning environments, and develops citizens capable of addressing diverse life situations from social and cultural perspectives. From the teacher's perspective, it enables the creation of student-centered teaching practices.It is also important to note that the analysis identified several disadvantages, including a lack of teacher training in socio-emotional education, fragmented school curricula, a lack of understanding of how to assess these competencies, institutional gaps, the standardized education model proposed for Colombia, and the conditions of the education system that hinder the retention and implementation of these competencies.Therefore, it must be recognized that socio-emotional competencies are a key element for improving educational quality and holistic development. For this reason, it is important that Colombian education implement teacher training, curriculum adjustments, and changes in educational policies that respect the diversity of contexts.