Social Emotional Learning Research Articles

A school-based intervention programme to prevent anxiety and depression among Chinese children during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundChild and adolescent mental health is a major public health concern worldwide. The development of children’s social and emotional skills helps to improve mental health and wellbeing, and prevent anxiety and depression. The school-based social emotional learning (SEL) programmes have proved effective in a number of countries. But in Mainland China, there has been no empirical research of the effectiveness on children’s mental health. The study conducted a SEL programme in China during the COVID-19 pandemic and aimed to determine whether: (1) a SEL programme can reduce anxiety and depression, (2) the intervention effect is influenced by sociodemographic characteristics, (3) the programme effects change children’s emotion management and communication.MethodsParticipants were 230 children aged 8–12 years in the intervention school and 325 in the control school in two poor villages in central China. The study was a quasi-experimental trial, comprising 16 weekly 90-minute sessions. It used a mixed-methods design, with a quantitative survey administered at baseline, post-intervention, and 5-month follow-up, and qualitative interviews. Linear mixed effects regression modeling was used to analyse the intervention effectiveness, linear models were conducted to examine the moderation effect of sociodemographic variables, and the inductive thematic analysis approach was used for interview data.ResultsThe intervention had no significant effect on anxiety or depression, except that intervention school children who lived with neither parent (left behind children) reported lower depression scores than control school at post-intervention and 5-month follow-up. Qualitative interviews showed after intervention children were more able to control tempers and better communicated their thoughts and feelings, improving their relationships with family and friends.ConclusionsThe programme was cheap, easy to implement, and warmly welcomed by children, schools and caregivers, suggesting it was feasible and potentially sustainable. More research is needed on the adaptation of the SEL programme in the Chinese context.

EQUIPPING STUDENTS FOR A DYNAMIC FUTURE

The ever-changing landscape of the 21st century requires a shift in educational focus beyond traditional subject knowledge. This paper explores key considerations for designing effective curricula, emphasising the crucial role of basic skills and 21st-century competencies, fostering a lifelong learning mindset, and preparing students for an increasingly interconnected world. Building strong literacy, numeracy, and digital skills is the foundation for communicating effectively, thinking critically, and navigating the digital world. Developing key 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication will enable students to tackle complex challenges, work effectively in teams, and express themselves clearly. Encouraging creativity, innovation, and adaptability enables students to think outside the box, embrace new ideas, and thrive in an unpredictable future. Fostering a growth mindset and self-directed learning skills empowers them for lifelong learning and continuous skill development. While subject-specific knowledge remains valuable, this paper emphasises the need for a holistic approach that integrates these essential skills and mindsets. In addition,recognizing the importance of social-emotional learning and global citizenship highlights the need to prepare well-rounded individuals for success in an interconnected world. This includes understanding diverse cultures, promoting responsible global citizenship, and encouraging sustainable practices. By incorporating these elements into curriculum design, we can equip students with the skills and attitudes necessary to navigate the complexities of the future, become responsible, engaged, and lifelong learners, and contribute meaningfully to a globalised society.

Fostering social-emotional learning through human-centered use of generative AI in business research education: an insider case study

PurposeThis exploratory study innovates the pedagogy of undergraduate business research courses by integrating Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) tools, guided by human-centered artificial intelligence, social-emotional learning, and authenticity principles.Design/methodology/approachAn insider case study approach was employed to examine an undergraduate business research course where 72 students utilized GAI for coursework. Thematic analysis was applied to their meta-reflective journals.FindingsStudents leverage GAI tools as brainstorming partners, co-writers, and co-readers, enhancing research efficiency and comprehension. They exhibit authenticity and human-centered AI principles in their GAI engagement. GAI integration imparts relevant AI skills to students.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research could explore how teams collectively interact with GAI tools.Practical implicationsIncorporating meta-reflections can promote responsible GAI usage and develop students' self-awareness, critical thinking, and ethical engagement.Social implicationsOpen discussions about social perceptions and emotional responses surrounding GAI use are necessary. Educators can foster a learning environment that nurtures students' holistic development, preparing them for technological challenges while preserving human learning and growth.Originality/valueThis study fills a gap in exploring the delivery and outcomes of AI-integrated undergraduate education, prioritizing student perspectives over the prevalent focus on educators' viewpoints. Additionally, it examines the teaching and application of AI for undergraduate research, diverging from current studies that primarily focus on research applications for academics.

A Novel Summer Camp Integrating Physical, Psychological, and Educational Health in Youth: The THINK Program.

Numerous youth summer programs focus upon physical fitness, nutritional health, psychological well-being, or education. Few, however, have integrated all of these elements into a single program. The Translational Health in Nutrition and Kinesiology (THINK) program provides an integrative nutrition and exercise science curriculum that is interfaced with social emotional learning (SEL) and STEM education to enhance healthy behaviors in youth. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the THINK program could improve physical fitness, nutrition habits, SEL, and STEM education in a 6-week summer program covering a 3-year period. Participants from South Miami were enrolled in THINK (n = 108, 58 males, 50 females, 12.03 + 0.56 years). Physical fitness assessments, the Positive Youth Development Inventory (PYDI), the Students' Attitude Towards STEM Survey, and the Adolescent Food Habits Checklist (ADFH) were recorded at baseline and post-testing. Means and standard error values were evaluated for all dependent variables. Paired samples t-tests (SPSS version 27) were used to determine changes. Improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.001), power (p < 0.006), flexibility (p < 0.001), agility (p < 0.001), muscular endurance (p < 0.001), lean body mass (p < 0.001), ADFH (p < 0.001), and PYDI (p = 0.038) were found. An integrative summer fitness program can result in improvements in physical fitness, nutrition habits, and SEL in as little as six weeks.

Understanding the Attacks on Social–Emotional Learning: Strategizing on the Response and Advocacy of School Mental Health Practitioners

Understanding the Attacks on Social–Emotional Learning: Strategizing on the Response and Advocacy of School Mental Health Practitioners

Integration of equine assisted services and social-emotional learning: A preliminary evaluation of a life skills training program for at-risk youth

Abstract This study was a preliminary evaluation of a life skills training program conducted by the Equine Partnership Program (EPP) integrating Equine Assisted Services (EAS) with social emotional learning (SEL) competencies. SEL programs aim to foster character development, curb maladaptive behaviors, and enhance social skills in at-risk youth by promoting positive relationships and emotional regulation. Many youth still require more targeted or alternative approaches to effectively nurture these skills. EAS has the potential to enhance SEL through its experiential learning approach and use of horses as a bridge, which is believed to be effective because of the horse’s innate ability to mirror and respond to human emotion. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of EAS on the social–emotional development of at-risk youth as measured by the Depression, Anxiety, Pain, and Stress (DAPS) visual analog tool. It was hypothesized that participants would demonstrate measurable improvements in emotional regulation post intervention. Data were collected before and after the EAS experience from 33 participants. Participants were asked to rate their levels of DAPS ranging from a high of 10 to a low of 1. Using t-test comparisons, statistically significant decreases in scores were found in depression (M = −0.67, p = 0.02), and anxiety (M = −1.18, p &lt; 0.001). Emotional pain and stress also showed decreases, though not statistically significant. This intervention shows promise to serve as an effective modality in addressing resilience and pro-social skills necessary for improved outcomes in behavioral and emotional development, thereby improving future academic, career, and overall life success, including improved social relationships.

IMPLEMENTATION OF AN INTEGRATED PBL MODEL IN SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING IN INDONESIAN LANGUAGE LEARNING IN CLASS IV PRIMARY SCHOOL

This research discusses the implementation of the Problem Based Learning (PBL) learning model which is integrated with Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in Indonesian language learning in class IV elementary school. Aims to introduce students to learning that is oriented to daily life problems in the surrounding environment. Apart from that, to develop students' social emotional skills, related to empathetic attitudes through learning Indonesian with persuasive sentence material in class IV elementary school. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative. This research was conducted in class IV at SDN Sambirejo 02 Semarang. The research results show that the implementation of the SEL integrated PBL model in Indonesian language learning in grade IV elementary school brings positive results. The use of this PBL model focuses on real problems faced by students, in this case related to bullying behavior. Apart from that, through this learning, students can develop learning attitudes such as empathy, discipline, responsibility and honesty. The results of the analysis show that students' learning attitudes have a correlation with students' cognitive achievement scores in the range of 0.55 - 0.78 (fairly strong - strong) and a classical completeness level of 82.75% in learning Indonesian with persuasive sentence material in class. IV.

The effects of ProVaka and Papilio interventions on children’s behavior and educator feedback: A cluster-randomized controlled trial in early childhood education and care

Evidence-based interventions can develop social and emotional competencies and foster social relationships during early childhood. In this paper, we explored the efficacy, implementation fidelity, and social validity of two systemic, preventive social-emotional learning interventions in Finnish early childhood education and care (ECEC)—ProVaka and Papilio—after their initial nine weeks of implementation. ProVaka is an application of Positive Behavior Intervention and Support that provides general guidelines for the development of social-emotional skills. Alongside general guidelines, the Papilio intervention also utilizes ready-made lesson plans and play-based measures. In this study, 80 ECEC classes from 39 ECEC centers participated in a cluster-randomized controlled trial. We measured educators’ feedback, children’s behavior, social validity, and implementation fidelity. The results indicate effects particularly on educator-reported child behavior and educators’ feedback on certain observed areas when the systemic interventions were implemented with sufficient fidelity. Further, both interventions seem well suitable for Finnish ECEC context.

Quality education through teacher-student relationships: implementing social-emotional learning in teacher development

PurposeRecently, the pace of pedagogical change in the field of social-emotional learning (SEL) has increased worldwide; hence, there is a greater need to understand and promote social-emotional elements in education systems. The purpose of this study was to explore the implementation of SEL content and practices in the curricula of teacher-education courses while being mindful of the principles underlying teacher–student relationships.Design/methodology/approachUsing a qualitative methodology, data were collected from 55 students enrolled in three courses taught at a college in Israel. The participants wrote reflections on their SEL experiences, which were analyzed using thematic analysis.FindingsThe students’ responses revealed various practices and themes that significantly affected their personal and professional development, among them, the relationships in the classroom, both among the preservice students themselves and between them and the teaching staff. The participants also noted that the SEL components of the course influenced the quality of learning and the development of a professional identity that is actively attuned to elements of SEL.Research limitations/implicationsBy introducing SEL early in the preservice stage, preservice teachers learn to create safe and supportive environments for their future students, thus improving students’ academic achievements, behavior and well-being.Originality/valueThe study underscores the importance of embedding SEL in the teacher-education curricula and its influence on both preservice teachers’ learning experience and the formulation of their image as future teachers while highlighting the significant role of teacher–student relationships in promoting healthy personal and professional development.

Mindfulness-based social-emotional learning program: Strengths and limitations in Vietnamese school-based mindfulness practice

Mindfulness practices in schools have emerged as an educational effort that aims to promote the development of the competency and mental well-being of students. Specifically, mindfulness-based social–emotional learning (MBSEL) programs are an educational strategy that focuses on the improvement of social–emotional competence by cultivating awareness of the present moment through mindfulness activities. This study intended to investigate the benefits and limitations of the implementation of school-based mindfulness practice in a developing nation with a culturally diverse and multi-religious population. Using an interpretive phenomenological method, the researchers interviewed eight mindfulness practitioners experienced in teaching or overseeing MBSEL programs in schools. The findings demonstrated how a western-based mindfulness program can be matched with the fundamental concepts of eastern mindfulness practices, as influenced by the Eastern Trinity philosophy. Furthermore, the study emphasized the difficulties that emerged from misconceptions about the concepts of mindfulness practice and the position of school-based mindfulness programs within the scope of school counseling, which impeded the successful implementation of the practitioners of the MBSEL model. These initial findings elucidated the nuances of implementing MBSEL initiatives within the context of a developing country marked by a rich tradition of mindfulness practice and accessible resources for advancing mindfulness studies.

Adapting SEL interventions to meet student needs: A research-practice partnership supporting students with emotional disabilities

Implementing school-based social-emotional learning (SEL) interventions requires consideration of both evidence-based practices as well as contextual fit based on student needs. One key approach to adapting SEL interventions is through research-practice partnerships between researchers, practitioners, and school district leaders. The current paper explores the ways a research-practice partnership supports an inclusive education intervention, called the Path Program, designed to support elementary students with emotional disabilities through both structural elements and evidence-based practices. Using the research-practice exchange in the Path Program to support a continuous improvement approach to adaptation, the Path Program uses a Plan Do Study Act cycle to continually infuse SEL activities with a trauma-informed approach to meet student needs. The paper offers crucial information for SEL interventions on the strengths of leveraging research-practice partnerships for program adaptation as well as implementation. Impact statementThe current paper importantly sheds light on ways to leverage a research-practice partnership to support intervention adaptation and implementation to better meet student needs while maintaining evidence-based practices. Specifically, the paper details the importance of infusing SEL activities with trauma-informed practices to meet students with emotional disabilities’ needs and the ways a research-practice partnership supports that process. The paper informs researchers, practitioners, and school leaders on ways to use partnerships to develop stronger SEL interventions.

A Book Review of Hulen, T. A., &amp; Lipsett, A.-B. (2022). Building Blocks for Social-Emotional Learning: Creating Safe, Secure, and Successful Elementary Schools

This book review explores Hulen and Lipsett's (2022) Building Blocks for Social-Emotional Learning: Creating Safe, Secure, and Successful Elementary Schools. The review focuses on the practical relevance of the book in reshaping contemporary educational perspectives on integrating academics and social-emotional learning in mainstream curriculum. Furthermore, the review discusses Hulen and Lipsett's social-emotional learning (SEL) strategies, its core strengths and weaknesses, and the practicality of the authors' insights. The review concludes with suggestions and considerations for teachers and other stakeholders looking to read the book for practical approaches to adopting SEL in the classrooms.

Technology, Music Education, and Social-Emotional Learning in Latin America

This paper explores the intersection of technology, music education, and social-emotional learning (SEL) with a focus on Latin America. It delves into the impact of music education on social-emotional skills development, highlighting the universal significance of music across various life stages. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in music education is discussed, emphasizing its potential to enhance learning experiences. The paper also examines the implementation of SEL strategies in Latin American public schools, emphasizing the importance of fostering social-emotional well-being in educational settings. Challenges such as unequal access to technology and education in the region are addressed, calling for further research and investment in tech-assisted music education.

Designing an Information Technology Platform for Imparting Entrepreneurship Values in Social-Emotional Learning for Kindergarten Children Using EFA and CFA

Kindergarten is crucial for today's education. Kindergarten helps kids develop in all areas. Students work in groups on a simple project task in this study. The work includes topic-related activities. Kids should learn early on that being an entrepreneur will shape their identity &amp; future. This condition makes someone realize that their long-term desire to be an entrepreneur comes from their academic success. This study investigated how the 35 questions are assembled &amp; what improves them. 195 kindergarten teachers participated in the study. The sample was analyzed using EFA &amp; CFA. Exploratory factor analysis revealed twelve unknown variables. The above variables explained 80% of the variation. Various factors explained the remaining 20%. All Cronbach's alpha values exceed requirements. CR &gt;.7 &amp; AVE &gt;.5, indicating credible &amp; tested constructs. The EFA showed that 195 research samples were sufficient because the KMO was above 0.50. This allowed more research. Six-factor solutions explained over 80.71% of the variation, so the EFA liked them. These factors kept the results consistent with those of previous studies. These traits facilitate legislator-educator dialogue rather than kindergarten teacher business observation. Researchers can use these properties for cluster analysis or multivariate linear regression. This subject requires more research because students develop a structured approach. Furthermore, experts should examine the research on what is making kindergarten entrepreneurship instruction popular.

Social-emotional learning profile of junior high school students in Java

Social-emotional learning is an essential aspect of an individual’s development. Thisresearch aims to determine the profile of social-emotional learning and differences in social-emotional learning scores based on gender and grade level among junior high school students in Java. This research uses a quantitative approach with a comparative research type. The sample in this study was 2036 junior high school students on the island of Java. The data collection technique in this research used a social-emotional learning scale, which was tested for validity and reliability using the RASCH model. Data analysis techniques were carried out using descriptive statistics and the ANOVA test. The results show that the majority of junior high school students in Java had a high score in social-emotional learning (N=65.4%), and only 0.1% of students categorized indeficient. Students' social-emotional levels were not influenced by gender or grade level. The self-management aspect had the lowest score, and the self-awareness aspect had the highest score in social-emotional learning. It is hoped that the results of this research can provide an overview of the conditions of social-emotional learning in students and become a reference for the development of social-emotional learning program in schools.Guidance and Counseling teachers can improve the lowest aspect of social-emotional learning through various techniques and methods so students can have good social-emotional learning skills in all aspects. Future research needs to explore the factors that influence high levels of SEL in students and expand the research sample to obtain broader generalizations.

Bildung-making as a key for inclusive education

ABSTRACT This paper explores how a Bildung-making approach underpinned by embodied pedagogy and didactics can contribute to a learner becoming a person and a teacher’s development of artistry. We argue that the existing Cartesian divide between mind and body can explain the fundamental differences in how teachers and learners perceive Bildung within the Dutch educational system: either as an ‘academic’ phenomenon (for ‘the head’) or as vocational (for ‘the hand’). In this study, Dutch (pre)vocational teachers designed and co-created Bildung prototypes in professional learning communities (PLCs) and classrooms. The teachers used ‘real life’ questions from their teaching practices as their departure point to develop Bildung-making. The results of the study show that when Bildung education becomes an embodied maker’s process, it enables learners to transcend barriers to educational equity. Co-created enjoyment and social emotional learning come to the foreground during Bildung-making, thus fostering inclusive education.

Social/Emotional Learning Implementation and Student Outcomes

This quantitative, nonexperimental study addressed the gap between research-established benefits and outcomes of social/emotional learning (SEL) implementation as compared to actual instances of implementation. Focusing on SEL and the specificity of use of CASEL SELect programs, the research questions of this study explored differences between implementation and usage, length of implementation, poverty classification, student growth composite (as measured by TVAAS composite), and attendance in elementary schools in Tennessee. I discuss specific implications for school counseling practice and consider the implementation of SEL as an intervention for holistic student success.

AI technologies for social emotional learning: recent research and future directions

PurposeThis study aims to explore the potential benefits of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in educational settings.Design/methodology/approachA systematic review of emerging AI technologies such as virtual reality, chatbots, sentiment analysis tools, gamification and wearable devices is conducted to assess their applicability in enhancing SEL.FindingsAI technologies present opportunities for personalized support, increased engagement, empathy development and promotion of well-being within SEL frameworks.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should focus on addressing ethical concerns, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, conducting longitudinal studies, promoting cultural sensitivity and developing robust ecosystems for AI in SEL.Originality/valueThis study contributes by outlining pathways for leveraging AI to create inclusive and supportive learning environments that nurture students' socio-emotional competencies, preparing them for success in a globally connected world.

Analisis Pengaruh Pembelajaran Sosial Emosional (PSE) terhadap Karakteristik Peserta Didik Kelas II di SDN Kalicari 01

This research aims to determine the influence of social emotional learning on student characteristics. This type of research uses descriptive research using a qualitative research approach. Data collection in this research used observation, interviews and documentation. The data analysis techniques used are data reduction, data display, and data verification/conclusion. The results of the research show that there is a positive influence, namely that students are able to interact well, have an empathetic attitude towards other people, reduce conflict with friends, and respect differences with peers, teachers and the surrounding community. Thus it can be concluded that Social Emotional Learning and character education are important aspects in the overall development of students because they can provide a solid foundation for understanding, appreciating and dealing with various life situations.

The impact of distance education on the socialization of college students in the Covid-19 era: problems in communication and impact on mental health

BackgroundThe problems of students’ social interaction and psychological well-being associated with online learning dependent on self-directed learning have become an important topic of research in recent years worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting their Social Emotional Learning. This paper aimed to compare the students’ loneliness, social anxiety, social interaction, and general psychological well-being at different stages of online learning (at the beginning and the height of the pandemic), considering their criteria (presence/absence of a job and own family).MethodsFor this, the researchers conducted an electronic survey of students (n = 320) twice, in February and May 2020, using four questionnaires: UCLA loneliness scale-3, Social Anxiety Scale for E-Learning Environments, Social Interaction Scale, and Brief Adjustment Scale. The responses at different stages of online learning were compared using Student’s t-test. Differences between employed and unemployed students with or without their own families were determined using the analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsThe findings showed that unemployed students without their families suffered the most from loneliness. Social interaction online was rated higher by students with their own families; psychological well-being at the beginning of the distance period and social anxiety at the height of the distance period were higher among unemployed students.ConclusionsThis research can become a theoretical basis for a phase-by-phase study of social predictors for the psychological well-being of higher education students and is of practical value for teachers and administrators of online learning aimed at students’ socialization. In addition, it provides education officials with information about how students perceive psychological well-being, anxiety, social interaction, and loneliness during distance learning, which can help officials direct their decisions and reforms to improve interaction in the online environment.