The Effects of a School-Based Social-Emotional and Ethical Learning Program on the Well-Being of Ukrainian Classrooms in the Context of War Open Access

Rosenstein, Sara (Spring 2024)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/k930bz68p?locale=en
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Abstract

Abstract

the Well-Being of Ukrainian Classrooms in the Context of War

This qualitative program evaluation aims to understand the effects of a school-based Social- Emotional and Ethical (SEE) Learning program on the well-being of Ukrainian classrooms in the context of war. As peer-review research suggests, children’s social and emotional development and ability to receive quality education during war should be prioritized when building a sustainable pathway to lasting peace.

Methods

23 implementing teachers were recruited to participate in in-depth interviews containing 40 questions about SEE learning implementation. Interviews were conducted in Ukrainian, translated into English, and de-identified for analysis. Data was coded in Excel and analyzed thematically.

Results

Teachers expressed the need for SEE learning in their classrooms during war. Teachers saw SEE Learning implementation during war as more important than before the 2022 Russian invasion,

allocating extra class time to engage in SEE Learning-specific activities. SEE Learning helped teachers cultivate a safe and supportive space for processing difficult emotions brought upon by war. SEE learning implementation supported teachers’ personal and professional development alongside the building of student’s social-emotional skills. In addition, teachers noticed students were better able to identify and understand their emotions and the emotions of others, creating a more compassionate and productive environment within the classroom. Conclusions

Teachers' perspectives account for SEE Learning’s potential lasting effects on students and its aid in future reconciliation. As peer-reviewed literature suggests, the ability to manage difficult emotions, attributed to SEE Learning in this context, may mitigate the need for mental health services in the future. 

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Literature Review: Social-Emotional Learning Programs and Their Effects on Teachers’ and Students’ Well-Being in the Context of War 1

Introduction 1

Impact of War on Social-Emotional Development 2

Education in Conflict Zones 4

Education and the War in Ukraine 5

Effects of SEL and Psychosocial Programs on Children & Teachers in the Context of War 6

Conclusion 8

Chapter 2: Manuscript: The Effects of a School-Based Social-Emotional and Ethical Learning Program on the Well-Being of Ukrainian Classrooms in the Context of War 9

Abstract 9

Background 11

Conflict’s Impact on Educational Settings in Ukraine 11

Need for Social-Emotional Support through Education Systems 12

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Social-Emotional and Ethical Learning (SEE-Learning) 13

SEE Learning in Ukraine 14

Existing Research on SEL in Conflict/Humanitarian Settings 14

Methods

Study Design and Setting 16

Ethical Considerations 17

Results 18

Fidelity 18

Fit 19

Pedagogy 20

Supports and Barriers to Implementation 22

Program Core Components 23

Personal Practice 24

Key Contextual Factors 25

Feasibility and Responsiveness 26

Discussion 28

Conclusion 31

Chapter 3: Public Health Implications and Recommendations 32

Public Health Implications 32

Recommendations 34

References 35

Appendix 45

Thematic Map 45 

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