MANAMA: Kuwaiti educational expert and Director of the Arab Center for Educational Research for the Gulf countries, Dr Mohammed Al-Sharika, confirmed on Wednesday the importance of ’social and emotional learning’ as one of the modern global trends in the field of education, according to the latest scientific studies and research.

In his speech at a symposium held by the Arab Center for Educational Research for the Gulf States in Bahrain entitled ‘Social and emotional learning’, he stressed the need to integrate social and emotional competencies in the curricula of education in the member states in line with the results of modern scientific research.

Dr Mohammed said that “we urgently need to equip our new generations with the social and emotional competencies that enable them to adapt to the realities of life and keep up with the 21st century. We need to improve their chances of success at the personal, social, and professional levels, contribute more to achieving development visions at the national level, and live peacefully in a society dominated by the values of cooperation, understanding, and harmony.”

He pointed out that research has proven that social and emotional learning has a great impact on improving students’ academic performance, increasing graduation rates, reducing drop-out rates, reducing behavioral problems, developing positive social relationships, improving students’ mental health, and providing them with skills of cooperation, communication, problem solving, and adapting to changing situations.

The seminar came within the framework of a series of events. The international educational program is organized by the Arab Center for Educational Research for the Gulf States with the aim of following up on educational developments in the international arena and monitoring modern global trends in the field of education.

Bahrain’s minister of education, Mohammed Juma, stressed in his speech at the opening of the seminar the importance of such meetings in the framework of the pivotal role played by the Arab Center for Educational Research for the Gulf States, which represents one of the building blocks of unity and integration among the GCC countries.

He praised the center’s tireless efforts to develop educational research, provide consultation and expertise, and keep abreast of the best national and international experiences. He pointed out that such seminars and conferences are of great importance because of the contemporary educational issues and problems they pose and the opportunities they provide for educational policymakers, specialists, and experts.

The seminar aims to shed light on the topic of “social and emotional learning,” clarify its intellectual and theoretical foundations, its basic competencies, and highlight the importance of social and emotional learning for individuals and communities and its positive effects on the academic, personal, professional, and social levels. The participants recommended that more attention should be paid to strengthening learning skills. — KUNA