Research Findings about the the implementation of the Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) programme in schools by the University of Sussex July 2010
Fri, Dec 10th 2010
Research shows us the importance of establishing schools that are safe and calm to maximise the potential for pupil learning. A recent study at the University of Sussex examines the varying approaches adopted by schools to promote the Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) programme. The SEAL programme is a whole school approach to introduce the skills and opportunities needed for effective learning, positive behaviour and attendance and emotional well-being. It is clear from the work that Jenny Mosley does in schools, and from the literature, that SEAL has been introduced in different ways and to differing degrees in different schools. The Sussex research clarifies how differences in the implementation of SEAL relate to differences in school ethos and to the desired outcomes of the programme.
The research was carried out during 2008 and 2009 by tracking schools and their progress using collated results and qualitative assessment of documentary evidence obtained through visits to schools of Regional Advisers’ visits to schools.
Key Findings from the Research into SEAL implementation
1. A consistently important quality was having a ‘whole-school universal’ approach to SEAL, including:
· Engagement of all staff in the school's SEAL strategy
· Cross-school programme of SEAL learning opportunities for all pupils
· Integrated approach to SEAL, behaviour, and well-being
· Delegation of SEAL responsibilities to all staff within a clear management structure.
2. Having a whole-school universal approach to SEAL was the strongest predictor of an enhanced school ethos, characterised by positive social relationships, attitudes, and behaviour. The school differences in ethos were consistently reflected in the perceptions of both pupils and staff.
3. Schools that were perceived by their pupils and staff to have a more positive social and emotional ethos were also found to have:
o more positive pupil experiences of peer interaction
o better Ofsted ratings for Behaviour
o lower levels of Persistence Absence
o higher attainment in Key Stage 2 SATs and GCSEs.
4. Higher attainment in Key Stage 2 SATs and GCSEs was additionally predicted by school approaches that integrated SEAL with learning, rather than teaching SEAL competencies as separate and isolated skills.
5. SEAL implementation and school ethos were directly associated with attainment results, as well as having an indirect connection with attainment via their link with positive behaviour.
6. The connections between social and emotional ethos and better attainment, behaviour, and attendance remained significant after controlling for variations that are due to socio-economic status.
7. Higher levels of negative emotion among pupils were related to having more experiences of bullying and fewer experiences of positive peer interaction, which in turn were associated with reports of a generally poorer school ethos.
8. A cluster of contextual supports was found to be associated with effective whole-school implementation, including engagement with families and communities, approaches to enhancing staff well-being, staff professional development, and data collection within schools.
The key references for this research are:
Social and emotional aspects of learning in schools: Contributions to improving attainment, behaviour, and attendance A report on data from the National Strategies Tracker School Project by Dr Robin Banerjee, School of Psychology, University of Sussex (2010)
Social and emotional aspects of learning in schools: Contributions to improving attainment, behaviour, and attendance A report by Dr Robin Banerjee, School of Psychology, University of Sussex July 2010 Executive Summary
For information about introducing whole-school universal systems or for training in Quality Circle Time for SEAL phone 01225 767157 or email circletime@jennymosley.co.uk
Related Tags »
Tell a friend
Enter yours and a friends name to send them this page.
