The purpose of the study is to explore physical education (PE) students’ social and emotional learning (SEL) and the meaningful learning experiences during the SEL course. In the teaching profession, understanding SEL is important because the guidance of learning and group dynamics is essentially an interactive social process. Further, previous research shows that focusing on socioemotional skills promotes students’ academic achievement. Teachers’ SEL skills can be developed by training.

In PE teacher education annually, 60 first-year-students participate in a 20-hours SEL skills course based on Gordon’s interaction model and SEL concepts. The course consists of practising SEL skills such as listening, clear self-expression and conflict resolution.

The data was collected before and after the course and consists of the knowledge test and the dealing with challenging interactions (DCI) instrument and learning diaries analysed by qualitative content analysis.

Results indicate that PE students’ SEL skills developed, especially in active listening and clear self-expression. Further, students reported improvement in their self-awareness and knowledge of the importance of SEL skills. Students expressed willingness to develop their SEL skills further.

Training on SEL skills in the early stages of teacher education is important in awakening teachers’ awareness of the socioemotional aspect of teaching.