From rhetoric to reality: The problematic nature and assessment of children and young people's social and emotional learning
Corresponding Author
Deborah Lynette Watson
University of Bristol, UK
University of Bristol, School for Policy Studies, 8 Priory Rd, Bristol, BS8 1TZ, United Kingdom. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Deborah Lynette Watson
University of Bristol, UK
University of Bristol, School for Policy Studies, 8 Priory Rd, Bristol, BS8 1TZ, United Kingdom. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
There is little doubt of the educational and social merits of developing children and young people's social and emotional capabilities. But there lacks consensus on what these capabilities are; what should be assessed or shown to have developed over time; and the most appropriate methods for doing this. Through the conceptual framework of ‘social and emotional dispositions and skills’ (SEDS), and based on research in Wales, we present the argument for an alternative assessment methodology designed to challenge dominant discourses in the field and present a ‘minoritarian’ perspective of children and young people's social and emotional learning. The intention of this paper is to present a rationale for the co-construction of an understanding of the concept of SEDS and engage in critical debate with researchers and practitioners from a wide range of services for children and young people.
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