Research on Social and Emotional Learning and Education Equity

Abstract

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) entails acquiring and applying fundamental knowledge and skills to comprehend and manage emotions, establish positive goals, demonstrate empathy, nurture relationships, and make responsible decisions. Recent advancements in SEL research propose different SEL approaches, drawing insights from social justice, anti-bias education, cultural responsiveness, and sustaining pedagogies. Varied SEL initiatives aim for impartial learning experiences, contributing to the growth of each student. In China, the commitment to equitable education stands as a crucial national policy. This paper consolidates global research on how SEL addresses educational equity, scrutinizes culturally responsive and transformative SEL to give the definition of equitable SEL, and offers recommendations for introducing equitable SEL in China. Integrating SEL into schools, families, communities, and society can cultivate comprehensive student development, fostering inclusivity and harmony in societal structures. Lastly, this paper advocates for increased scholarly focus on SEL development in China, encouraging more research and practical initiatives.