Are social and emotional learning programs effective tools to improve students’ skills? / Using self-regulation and metacognition in class: what works and under what conditions?

In the education sector, there is now the conviction that, alongside the “classic” cognitive skills related to curriculum areas such as mathematics and language, there are other vital skills which are of great importance for the personal development and social opportunities of children and youth in the 21st century: namely, on the one hand, the so-called social and emotional skills, and on the other, metacognitive and regulation skills.

Several definitions have been given for both these skills. For example, aspects of awareness and self-management, social awareness and interpersonal skills, or the ability to make responsible decisions would come under the category of social and emotional skills. Regarding metacognitive skills and self-regulation, it is customary to refer to learning to learn strategies and motivational elements, autonomy, planning and critical  thinking.