Targeting Social-Emotional Learning and Activity Attitudes during After-School Programming Post COVID-19 Restrictions

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Targeting Social-Emotional Learning and Activity Attitudes during After-School Programming Post COVID-19 Restrictions
Language: English
Authors: Kelly L. Simonton, Victoria N. Shiver, Aimee Gray, Katie Juarez, Angela Simonton
Source: Journal of Youth Development. 2024 19(1):46-56.
Availability: Clemson University Press. 116 Sigma Drive, Clemson, SC 29634. Tel: 864-656-2278; e-mail: cupress@clemson.edu; Web site: www.clemson.edu/press
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 12
Publication Date: 2024
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Social Emotional Learning, Student Attitudes, After School Programs, COVID-19, Pandemics, Physical Activities, Knowledge Level, Elementary School Students, Social Responsibility, Competence, Communication (Thought Transfer), Peer Relationship, Skill Development, Public Schools, Rural Schools, Partnerships in Education, College School Cooperation, Program Effectiveness
ISSN: 2325-4009
2325-4017
Abstract: The purpose of this mixed methods study was to investigate students' perceptions of their personal and social responsibility skills during and following an eight-week physical activity (PA) afterschool program (ASP) focused on social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies. Specifically, student knowledge of SEL competencies and general PA attitudes were evaluated in a pre- and post-program design. Session specific focus groups after each session were also collected. Elementary students (N = 134; "Mage" = 9.87) from five elementary school programs participated in the study. Quantitative results showed that significant increases in students perceived personal and social responsibility skills increased. In addition, positive attitudes toward PA increased while negative attitudes decreased across the program. Qualitative findings revealed four general themes: (a) knowledge of skills preluded application; (b) self-consciousness of competencies increased; (c) COVID restrictions resulted in surface-level communication/relationships; and (d) peer relationships lacked depth. Student progress in their awareness and knowledge of SEL skills increased in the program. Additionally, evidence to slight decrease in survey responses is reflective of a phenomenon in that students have an inflated sense of SEL competencies at first, but following training they have a more honest and knowledgeable reflection of them. Awareness of SEL skills and abilities would found to happen before action in the authentic setting. It appears that frameworks like the Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) model can be effective in structure afterschool programs to improve awareness in short-term programming.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2024
Accession Number: EJ1435374
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The purpose of this mixed methods study was to investigate students' perceptions of their personal and social responsibility skills during and following an eight-week physical activity (PA) afterschool program (ASP) focused on social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies. Specifically, student knowledge of SEL competencies and general PA attitudes were evaluated in a pre- and post-program design. Session specific focus groups after each session were also collected. Elementary students (N = 134; "Mage" = 9.87) from five elementary school programs participated in the study. Quantitative results showed that significant increases in students perceived personal and social responsibility skills increased. In addition, positive attitudes toward PA increased while negative attitudes decreased across the program. Qualitative findings revealed four general themes: (a) knowledge of skills preluded application; (b) self-consciousness of competencies increased; (c) COVID restrictions resulted in surface-level communication/relationships; and (d) peer relationships lacked depth. Student progress in their awareness and knowledge of SEL skills increased in the program. Additionally, evidence to slight decrease in survey responses is reflective of a phenomenon in that students have an inflated sense of SEL competencies at first, but following training they have a more honest and knowledgeable reflection of them. Awareness of SEL skills and abilities would found to happen before action in the authentic setting. It appears that frameworks like the Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) model can be effective in structure afterschool programs to improve awareness in short-term programming.
ISSN:2325-4009
2325-4017