Title: Insights into Contextual Factors Related to SEL in UAE Public Schools
Stream: Educational Research, Development & Publishing
Presentation Type: Live-Stream Presentation
Authors:
Samantha Monroe, Alef Education, United Arab Emirates
Ali Nadaf, Alef Education, United Arab Emirates
Abstract:
In the UAE, there is a recognized need to boost Social Emotional Learning (SEL) skills in students, yet there remains a gap between that desire and the knowledge held by decision makers. Although the Ministry of Education is dedicated to uncovering current SEL competencies, there have been few studies conducted in SEL that relate to the UAE context. The goal of this research is enabling factors related to SEL skills in the UAE to gain an insight to understand contextual factors in relation to student learning behavior and academic performance. Adapted from the OECD Survey on Social and Emotional Skills Contextual Questionnaire, UAE public school students from grades 5 to 12 completed a survey to gather a preliminary understanding on student academic achievement, active citizenship and civic participation, social connectedness, health, quality of life, and behavior/conduct. The data was taken from the students' responses to the survey and analyzed along with their academic performance on an education technology platform. Main findings from the study highlight an inverse correlation between general student wellbeing, school-related stressors, and academic performance, most notably test anxiety. These findings showcase how improved stress-resistance and other SEL skills in students can help mitigate the profound impact school-related stress has on students outside the classroom. Understanding key contextual factors for UAE students will be useful to design, develop, and implement school interventions in SEL competencies to boost UAE students’ abilities in these skills.
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