The Development of Social Emotional Learning Programmes in a Cross-Cultural Elementary Classroom

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop an intervention to improve the SEL skills of learners in a cross-cultural school context. The study involved the development and trial of an intervention program designed to develop social emotional skills. Participants were 30 Thai learners as well as six learners from Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos in a socio-economic and culturally diverse classroom. Prior to participation, the 36 students completed the SDQ. The SDQ was also completed by parents/guardians and teachers of the 36 students. The intervention lasted 15 weeks and structured learning blended with nine multimedia social stories along with various activities. The results are presented as pre-post for the whole group which was statistically significant, meaning that the intervention was effective in improving the social skills.