Socio-emotional Skills Research Articles

Educational Strategies For Healthy Habits in Secondary School: Promoting Integral Health

Objectives: This article aims to integrate positive habits in secondary education, focusing on students' mental and physical health. It aims to promote self-care practices and emotional resilience. Theoretical Framework: It is based on theories of emotional education, active learning, and public health, highlighting the importance of training in healthy behaviors for students' physical, emotional, and social well-being. Method: A mixed method was used, using interactive activities, awareness-raising workshops, and digital technologies. Periodic evaluations were carried out to measure the impact of the interventions and encourage the active participation of teachers and students. Results and Discussion: Implementing the educational strategies improved physical activity intervention and reduced risk behaviors, such as substance use. Research Implications: The findings suggest that promoting positive behaviors in secondary education increases academic achievement and contributes to students' overall development. They highlight the need for educational policies that support these initiatives and encourage collaboration between school, family, and community. Originality/Value: It offers an innovative educational proposal that prioritizes students' personal growth and creates an environment conducive to learning. It fosters active collaboration between students and teachers and develops socio-emotional skills that strengthen the sense of community and belonging.

Short-Term Effects of an Outdoor Activities Intervention on Children’s Stress, Socio emotional, Behavioral, and Cognitive Regulation Skills

ABSTRACT Research Findings: In recent years, interest has grown in the potential benefits of outdoor activities (OA) for children’s development, particularly in promoting socioemotional, behavioral, and cognitive regulation skills and reducing stress. However, empirical evidence on the effects of OA programs for children in the first three years of life on these outcomes still needs to be provided. To address this gap, our study involved 95 infants and toddlers (girls = 48, M age = 23.3 months) attending child care centers in north and south Italy and their teachers. Participants were divided into two groups: the Outdoor group (n = 55), actively involved in the OA program for four months, and the Control group (n = 40), who followed the standard curriculum. We assessed the children’s cortisol levels and emotional, behavioral, and cognitive regulation skills before (T1) and after (T2) the implementation of the OA intervention. After the 4-month intervention, improvements in the children’s adaptive behavior (particularly in social interaction) and cognitive-behavioral regulation skills were observed only in the Outdoor group. Children’s stress levels remained stable. Practice or Policy: Our findings show the benefits of daily OA on young children’s self-regulation, suggesting to schools and families that increasing OA from the first years of life may support cognitive and social growth.

Sustainability Awareness and Behavior of Management Accounting Students: Basis for Course Activity Development

Sustainability refers to both the planet’s health and humanity’s future well-being, encompassing actions humans take to prevent the depletion of natural resources. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) plays a vital role in course curricula by helping students develop critical thinking, decision-making, socio-emotional, and behavioral skills. This study examined the awareness and behavior of BS Management Accounting (BSMA) students regarding the three pillars of sustainability as well as the relationship between sustainability education and their awareness and behavior. Using the Knowledge-Attitudes-Practices (KAP) and Knowledge-Attitude-Behavior (KAB) frameworks, this quantitative descriptive research collected data from 349 out of 399 BSMA students (87.47% participation rate) enrolled during SY 2023–2024 at the University of Saint Louis, Northern Philippines. The results revealed that students were generally aware of sustainability and exhibited positive attitudes toward sustainable practices. Enrollment in the SASA 1013 course significantly increased sustainability awareness, but neither year level nor course enrollment had a significant impact on actual sustainability behavior. This study offers insights into the relationship between students’ sustainability awareness and their behavior across the three sustainability pillars. The novelty of this research lies in its focus on BSMA students and the specific role of the SASA 1013 course in fostering sustainability awareness. The study concludes with recommendations for curriculum development and policy initiatives to further promote students’ long-term sustainability awareness and behavior.

APPLICABILITY OF GAMIFICATION TO THE TEACHING AND LEARNING PROCESS

This research aimed to investigate interactive learning experiences through gamification, evaluating their impact on students’ motivation and academic performance. The methodology involved the analysis of practical cases and the collection of data in educational environments that implemented gamified practices, allowing an in-depth understanding of the dynamics involved. The results indicated that gamification significantly increases student engagement, promotes collaboration and contributes to the development of socio-emotional skills, in addition to improving content retention. The analysis of the data revealed that, although gamification offers many benefits, its effectiveness depends on careful implementation and adaptation to students’ needs, in addition to overcoming challenges such as inequality in access to technology. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of adopting these methodologies on a large scale, highlighting that, by transforming the learning environment into a more interactive and meaningful experience, gamification can be a valuable tool to modernize education and meet the demands of the 21st century.

EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL E A SUA IMPORTÂNCIA NO DESENVOLVIMENTO DAS CRIANÇAS

Early childhood education is an essential phase in children's development, which covers the first years of life, generally up to the age of five. This period is crucial for children's cognitive, emotional, social and physical development, providing the foundation for future learning. Early childhood education is not limited to teaching academic content, but also focuses on stimulating children's curiosity, creativity, autonomy and socio-emotional skills. Through playful, interactive activities focused on sensory experience, children explore the world around them, develop their language, motor coordination and social skills. In addition, early childhood education plays an essential role in promoting equal opportunities, social inclusion and preparing them for life in society. Therefore, investing in the quality and universal access to early childhood education is important to ensure the healthy and equitable development of children and to build a more just and democratic society in the future.

A new playbook: preparing young team athletes for diverse futures

This article highlights innovative approaches to the development of young athletes in team sports, focusing on strategies that facilitate a successful transition to adulthood. Through a systematic review of the literature in high-impact databases, we investigate the role of positive development, the promotion of transferable skills, the fostering of a growth mindset, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the sports context. We observe the need for athlete-centered approaches that emphasize autonomy, the development of technical, tactical, and cognitive competencies, and the importance of socio-emotional skills such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Another important factor found was the relevance of constructive feedback and effective communication in optimizing learning and improving sports performance. Therefore, the implementation of these innovative strategies in teaching and training contributes to the holistic development of young athletes, preparing them not only for sports success but also for facing future challenges in adult life. This study offers significant insights for researchers, coaches, and educators involved in the sports development of young athletes, highlighting the need for integrated and athlete-centered approaches to promote positive development and a successful transition to adult life.

Distancing skills in remote work: narratives about HRD managers support organisations

Purpose This paper aims to identify the essential skills required by Human Resource Development (HRD) professionals to effectively respond to the various modes of labour organisation implemented due to the mandatory lockdown imposed by the Portuguese government in March 2020 as well as implications for learning and development (L&D) issues. Design/methodology/approach Data is based on 34 semi-structured interviews with HRD professionals from companies in different activity sectors. Findings The results reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought out the development of socio-emotional skills among HRD professionals such as creativity, improvisation, self-exploration, innovation, collaboration, team spirit, resilience, flexibility, problem-solving, adaptability, priority management, emotional intelligence, social influence, social contact, interpersonal relationships, communication and online learning development. Research limitations/implications It will be interesting for future research to explore “what” and “how” HRD managers are planning, organising and implementing training and development plans to improve the skills of remote workers, which tend to grow in a post-pandemic COVID-19 phase. Practical implications This research emphasises the importance of HRD managers’ role in better coordinating the work of employees who are physically distant from the company. It also highlights the need for different skills required for effective digital HRD, support and monitoring of remote employees. The results provide important inputs to design and implement effective L&D programs for professionals working remotely and to reinforce the HRD role in organisations. Originality/value The research is original for twofold reasons: 1) HRD professionals are usually not trained to manage remote workers, which also means that they probably lack the skills to take the most out of remote working models; and 2) HRD professionals and the HRD function need to address the skills required to successfully implement flexible forms of work organisation as well as to implement adequate L&D policies to answer remote work practices.

From Welcoming Newly Arrived Migrant Students to Creating an Inclusive and Hospitable Environment: The Proposal from the Universe School

In Catalan schools, the rising influx of newly immigrated students poses significant challenges concerning their inclusion. These students show lower academic performance and self-esteem, are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, and lack support as they cope with the mourning process of migrating. Implementing intercultural education, working on socio-emotional skills, and helping to build a support network can be protective factors in improving the students’ development. This project was implemented in a Barcelona public school and aimed to identify the needs of newcomer students and enhance their inclusion. A questionnaire administered to 30 teachers revealed low knowledge about migratory mourning and intercultural education. Consequently, training sessions addressed to the school’s teaching staff were developed to provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills to deal with these topics. Interviews were conducted with the newly arrived children, specifically with 12 of them. They revealed a need for emotional support, the presence of migratory mourning, and a lack of a support network and socio-emotional skills. Students have appreciated the active listening and the opportunity to share their migration process. Teachers feel more empowered to support students in the migration mourning process after the training sessions. Feedback after the training sessions highlighted the clarity, ease of understanding, and usefulness of the material shared positively. The project lays the groundwork for more inclusive and intercultural initiatives in the school. Integrating the provided training into the teacher training curriculum could have a significant impact, better equipping educators to support recently arrived migrant students.

O POTENCIAL DA INTELIGÊNCIA ARTIFICIAL NA APRENDIZAGEM EDUCATIVA

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education has emerged as a topic of growing importance as educational institutions seek to innovate and enhance their pedagogical practices. This study aims to explore how AI can reconfigure learning processes and transform traditional educational practices. In a context where personalized learning is vital, AI stands out as a powerful tool to meet the individual needs of students, promoting the development of essential 21st-century skills. The bibliometric analysis conducted reveals a significant increase in academic interest in the application of AI in education, especially in the last five years, indicating an awakening to technological possibilities. The main areas of investigation include personalized learning, intelligent tutoring systems, and educational data analysis, known as learning analytics, which allow real-time monitoring of student progress. AI offers immediate feedback, adapting to each student’s learning pace, improving academic performance, and reducing educational inequalities. However, for this transformation to occur effectively, it is crucial that educational institutions integrate these technological solutions into their pedagogical approaches. However, the research points to significant gaps, such as unequal access to AI technologies, limiting the democratization of benefits. The lack of infrastructure and specialized teacher training hinders effective implementation. Additionally, there is a shortage of studies focused on the development of socio-emotional skills. Therefore, research must advance in the search for new technologies, ensuring an equitable and enriching learning environment. The future of education, transformed by AI, promises to be a space where all students can thrive, developing skills to face the challenges of the 21st century.

Developing the Short Form of the Survey on Social and Emotional Skills (SSES-SF)

Given the critical role of socio-emotional skills in students’ academic success, psychological well-being, and other critical life outcomes, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) developed the Survey on Social and Emotional Skills (SSES) to measure these skills among school-age students. However, the broad conceptual scope of socio-emotional skills necessitated the use of a large number of items (i.e., 120 items) in the original SSES, which poses challenges regarding survey administration and participant fatigue. To address these issues, this study aimed to develop a short form of the SSES (i.e., SSES-SF). The sample included 29,798 15-year-old students across 10 regions. We developed a 45-item version of SSES-SF using the machine learning approach of genetic algorithm, which is 62.5% shorter than the original 120-item SSES. The reliability, construct validity, reproduced information, concurrent validity, and measurement invariance of the SSES-SF were investigated. We found that the SSES-SF demonstrated satisfactory reliability, construct validity, and concurrent validity. Furthermore, the SSES-SF was able to reproduce a substantial amount of information from the original full-form SSES and exhibited measurement invariance across genders, regions, and language groups. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

Parent priorities when navigating the decision to delay school entry

ABSTRACT With no consensus regarding an optimal school-entry age, parents must weigh-up numerous factors when given the option to delay a child’s primary school-entry (deferral) on the basis of their age. To explore this, 271 parents living in Scotland with a child born in January/February 2015/16 (50% girls; 65% deferred) were surveyed regarding the deferral decision. Boys were more likely to be deferred than girls, and girls from families in more affluent areas. Parents selecting non-deferral prioritised the social and cognitive stimulation of school, while parents selecting deferral felt that preschool would nurture their child’s socio-emotional skills. Finally, deferred boys were perceived as less socially competent than non-deferred boys. Our findings indicate that parents’ appraisal of their child’s socio-emotional maturity and beliefs regarding school-readiness guide an age-based deferral decision.

Cerebellar non-invasive stimulation of social and emotional mentalizing: A meta-analysis

Abstract The present meta-analysis investigated the impact of non-invasive stimulation, using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) targeting the posterior cerebellum, on social and emotional mentalizing about others. Prior research has convincingly shown that the posterior cerebellum supports social and emotional cognition. We identified 14 studies targeting the cerebellum with appropriate control conditions (i.e., sham, control site), which exclude general learning effects of the task or placebo effects. The studies included 29 task conditions where stimulation before or during a social or emotional task was applied on healthy samples. The results showed significant evidence that sustained anodal tDCS and TMS generally improved social and emotional performance after stimulation, in comparison with sham or control conditions, with a small effect size. In contrast, cathodal stimulation showed mixed facilitatory and inhibitory results. In addition, short TMS pulses, administered with the aim of interfering with ongoing social or emotional processes, induced a small but consistent inhibitory effect. Control tasks without social or emotional components also showed significant improvement after sustained anodal tDCS and TMS, suggesting that transcranial stimulation of the cerebellum may also improve other functions. This was not the case for short TMS pulses, which did not modulate non-social and non-emotional control tasks. Taken together, this meta-analysis shows that cerebellar neurostimulation confirms a causal role of the cerebellum in socio-emotional cognition, has a small but significant effect on improving socio-emotional skills, and may therefore have important clinical applications in pathologies where social and emotional cognition is impaired.

Using teach ECE to observe the quality of online teaching during the pandemic: an exploratory study in a pre-school in Chile

ABSTRACT During COVID-19, many schools worldwide were closed. In this unprecedented context, some students accessed distance or remote education. Assessing the quality of in-person early childhood education has a long-dated challenge and doing the same within a preschool online setting is unprecedented. This study aimed to utilize the Teach ECE observation instrument developed by the World Bank in 2021 to explore the quality of synchronous online lessons across 8 preschool classrooms in a private school in Chile. The tool is designed to observe 28 quality teaching behaviors organized into four areas. The dataset encompassed 640 min of video recordings capturing synchronous online classes over a 5-month period. Findings revealed that 7 out of the 8 preschool teachers exhibited low or medium-low quality practices across all three areas examined in this study. Average scores per area indicate that Classroom Culture obtained the highest score, followed by guided learning, and finally by socio-emotional Skills.

Socio-emotional Skills and Graduate Employability in the Hospitality Sector of Southwestern Uganda, Kigezi Sub -Region

Socio-emotional Skills and Graduate Employability in the Hospitality Sector of Southwestern Uganda, Kigezi Sub -Region

Socio-economic gradients in pupils’ self-efficacy: evidence, evolution and main drivers during the primary school years in France

Socio-emotional skills, vital for navigating life’s challenges, significantly influence educational success and well-being. Thus, socio-economic disparities in these skills may contribute to broader inequalities in achievement. Despite their importance, research in certain contexts, like France, remains limited. Self-efficacy, a cornerstone of socio-emotional well-being, develops early and it is influenced by familial and contextual factors. The primary school years are central for self-efficacy development. During this period, socio-economic gaps in self-efficacy may emerge, influenced by family environments and experiences at school. Using data from the 2011 Panel of Pupils we find that French pupils have similar academic self-efficacy whatever their socio-economic background at the start of primary school. However, at the end of primary school, children coming from more disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds exhibit lower academic self-efficacy as compared to more advantaged peers, and this socio-economic gap is particularly strong among girls. The findings of this work underscore the need for educational policies to focus on socio-emotional skills development alongside cognitive skills from an early age to reduce socio-economic inequalities.

ACTUAL PROBLEMS OF DEVELOPING SAFE BEHAVIOR SKILLS IN CHILDREN OF THE SENIOR PRESCHOOL GROUP

In the article, the authors consider the problems that hinder the development of safe behavior skills of children of the senior preschool group. A literary review of the works of foreign and Kazakhstani teachers and scientists on the safe behavior of older preschool children is made. The definitions of “safety” and “safe behavior” are analyzed. The current state of work on the development of safe behavior skills in a preschool organization, at home, on the street is studied; the characteristic of behavioral reactions of senior preschool children is given; the normative legal documents, the State mandatory standard of preschool education and training of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Standard curriculum of preschool education and training of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the educational direction “Formation of socio-emotional skills” are analyzed. The purpose of the study is to identify current problems that hinder the development of safe behavior skills in children of the senior preschool group. The authors analyzed the types of child safety (social, physical and psychological, information, transport, educational, environmental, medical, legal and others), which are currently debatable. Based on the analysis of psychological and pedagogical literature, the current problems of ensuring and threatening the safety of children at home, on the street, in a preschool organization are identified. The ways of solving the problems reflected in foreign and Kazakhstani studies on ensuring the safety of older preschool children are considered. In the perspective of our research, determining the effectiveness of “playful learning” in the development of safe behavior skills and its implementation in the educational process of a preschool organization.

CURRENT CHALLENGES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE OF EDUCATORS IN THE MODERN WORLD

The article examines the current challenges and requirements facing educators in the modern educational context. The research is based on an analysis of current trends in education, the changing needs of students, as well as scientific research related to the professional competence of educators. The article identifies key aspects, including the development of socio-emotional skills, inclusive education, digital technologies and intercultural interaction. The authors discuss strategies and methods necessary for effective adaptation of educators to modern challenges and ensuring a high level of professional competence. In conclusion, the article emphasizes the importance of continuous professional development and flexibility in adapting to changing educational environments.

Physical activity and social-emotional learning in Canadian children: Multilevel perspectives within an early childhood education and care setting

Early childhood education and care programs can support physical activity and socio-emotional skills development. However, limited research has investigated the longitudinal associations between these constructs and whether they vary across child-specific and classroom-wide levels of analysis. The present study evaluated three-month trajectories of social and emotional competencies, with an emphasis on associations with physical activity. Participants were children enrolled in a licensed not-for-profit early childhood education and care provider in Canada. Educators (n = 37) across 22 classrooms completed monthly assessments of children (N = 235) from January–March 2020. Intraclass correlation coefficients revealed that significant variability in socio-emotional strengths could be attributed to between- and within-classroom differences (21 % and 47 %, respectively), and change over time (32 %). In three-level random-slopes growth curve models, socio-emotional strengths increased over time, with significant between-classroom differences in initial averages and rates of change. Child-specific and classroom-average levels of physical activity were also associated with socio-emotional strengths. These findings underscore the importance of considering child and classroom differences in early learning contexts. Moreover, incorporating physical activity in these settings holds promise as an accessible strategy to support children’s social and emotional development.

Tendencias pedagógicas basadas en la disciplina positiva para el fomento de la convivencia en el aula Pedagogical trends based on positive discipline for the promotion of coexistence in the classroom Tendências pedagógicas baseadasna disciplina positiva para a promoção da convivência em sala de aula

This study analyzes the implementation of pedagogical trends based on positive discipline and their impact on school coexistence in primary classrooms in the city of Cúcuta, Colombia. Positive discipline, focused on mutual respect, empathy, and self-regulation, is presented as an effective alternative to traditional disciplinary methods. Through strategies such as peer mediation, the use of positive language, and the reinforcement of socio-emotional skills, conflicts have been reduced and an environment of collaboration among students has been fostered, thus improving the school climate and promoting meaningful learning. The research highlights the importance of adapting these pedagogical trends to the socioeconomic and cultural particularities of Cúcuta, highlighting the need for flexible and context-sensitive approaches. In addition, the crucial role of teacher training and collaboration with the community to ensure the sustainability of these strategies is recognized. The results show that a safer and more inclusive school environment, based on positive discipline, has a direct impact on the academic performance and emotional well-being of students, promoting a more harmonious coexistence and comprehensive development.

Perceptions and impacts of the Happy Program on socio-emotional competencies: a mixed-methods study in primary education

Introduction: The "Happy Program" implemented by AMCO across various schools in Latin America has been the subject of a mixed-methods study assessing its impact on the socio-emotional competencies of primary school students. The study focuses on the perceptions of both teachers and students, integrating quantitative and qualitative techniques for a comprehensive evaluation. Methods: Mixed-methods design to thoroughly assess the impacts of the Happy Program on socio-emotional competencies among primary school students. This design incorporates both quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a multi-dimensional understanding of the program’s effects. Teacher’s study, this segment involves a survey distributed to 57 teachers, designed to capture their perceptions before and after the implementation of the Happy Program. The survey measures changes in their views on students' socio-emotional skills and the overall classroom environment. Teachers are asked to rate the program’s influence on student behavior and emotional management, and to comment on areas for improvement, such as activity variety and family engagement. Parallel to the teacher survey, a larger scale study surveys 1,526 students. This study aims to gather direct feedback from the students about their experiences with the Happy Program. Students respond to questions about their emotional understanding, how they manage emotions, and their interactions with peers and family members as influenced by the program. This data is crucial for measuring the perceived effectiveness of the program from the students’ perspective. Findings/Results: Teachers reported a generally positive impact of the program on students, noting enhancements in key skills such as self-regulation and empathy. However, they also identified areas for improvement, such as activity diversification and greater family engagement. The results detail an increase in emotional understanding and management skills among students, with 76% of teachers observing significant improvements in these areas following the program's implementation.