The rapid social, economic and technological changes taking place in the world today have led to the rise of social and emotional learning (SEL) as an essential requirement in positive human development and meaningful education. SEL competencies such as self-awareness, emotional regulation, problem solving, collaboration, understanding and empathising with others, embracing diversity and conflict resolution, are key 21st century competences. The turbulences taking place in the Mediterranean region such as civil strife, violence, socio-economic hardship, forced displacement, human trafficking and child abuse, have directed academics’, policy makers' and practitioners’ interest towards SEL. SEL became an innovative avenue in preventing and addressing some of the main challenges being faced by countries in the Mediterranean basin in the healthy development and quality education of children and young people. Social and Emotional Learning in the Mediterranean: Cross Cultural Perspectives and Approaches is the first publication of this kind to explore how the Mediterranean region is seeking to address the issues and challenges in the promotion and implementation of SEL. It is an attempt to raise awareness on the SEL policies, frameworks and practices taking place in the Mediterranean region, to share and celebrate good practices, and to critically reflect on the challenges faced in the effective implementation of SEL in the region, with recommendations for policy, interventions and research.

"The burgeoning multidisciplinary field of social and emotional learning (SEL) now has a comprehensive and definitive handbook covering all aspects of research, practice, and policy. The prominent editors and contributors describe state-of-the-art intervention and prevention programs designed to build students' skills for managing emotions, showing concern for others, making responsible decisions, and forming positive relationships. Conceptual and scientific underpinnings of SEL are explored and its relationship to children's and adolescents' academic success and mental health examined. Issues in implementing and assessing SEL programs in diverse educational settings are analyzed in depth, including the roles of school- and district-level leadership, teacher training, and school/n-/family partnerships"--

This edited collection examines the impact that John Dewey had on educational thought across the Mediterranean region. It considers the manner in which Dewey and other progressive educators were actively received, adopted, adapted, and at times resisted in a range of Mediterranean countries, most of which emerging from autocratic regimes and colonial histories.

The push for inclusivity has revolutionized educational practices, policies, and frameworks. Schools are no longer merely institutions that impart knowledge; they are shaping societal values, promoting social justice, and preparing students to progress. This evolution is driven by the understanding that inclusive education benefits all students, not just those with disabilities or special needs. It promotes empathy, reduces prejudice, and equips students with the skills to contribute to a complex, interconnected world. Revolutionizing Inclusive Education: Mindfulness, Neurodiversity, and Executive Functioning Skills explores the life-changing potential of inclusive education. With a strong emphasis on the word “revolutionizing,” the book challenges traditional practices and conventional thinking in the field of inclusive education. By integrating mindfulness practices, understanding neurodiversity, and developing executive functioning skills, the book offers a fresh and innovative approach to inclusive classrooms. Covering topics such as assistive technology, neurodivergent learners, and student well-being, this book is an essential resource for academicians, researchers, school administrators, educators, preservice teachers, and more.

"The rapid social, economic and technological changes taking place in the world today have led to the rise of social and emotional learning (SEL) as an essential requirement in positive human development and meaningful education. SEL competencies such as self-awareness, emotional regulation, problem solving, collaboration, understanding and empathising with others, embracing diversity and conflict resolution, are key 21st century competences. The turbulences taking place in the Mediterranean region such as civil strife, violence, socio-economic hardship, forced displacement, human trafficking and child abuse, has directed academics', policy makers' and practitioners' interest towards SEL. SEL became an innovative avenue in preventing and addressing some of the main challenges being faced by countries in the Mediterranean basin in the healthy development and quality education of children and young people. Social and Emotional Learning in the Mediterranean: Cross Cultural Perspectives and Approaches is the first publication of this kind to explore how the Mediterranean region is seeking to address the issues and challenges in the promotion and implementation of SEL. It is an attempt to raise awareness on the SEL policies, frameworks and practices taking place in the Mediterranean region, to share and celebrate good practices, and to critically reflect on the challenges faced in the effective implementation of SEL in the region, with recommendations for policy, interventions and research"--

Ensuring doctoral students receive a well-rounded and thorough education is critical for their future success. Service learning within the doctoral program is one of the many aspects that helps shape students’ experiences and prepares them for life after graduation. Co-Constructing and Sustaining Service Learning in Graduate Programs: Reflections from the Field captures the experiences of doctoral students who were involved in socially just and sustainable service-learning projects and what it meant for them to be engaged in scholarship through service-learning. The book also illustrates what service-learning looks like and should look like in higher education particularly given the inequities that exist in the field of education. Covering key topics such as online education, academic identity, and sustainable learning, this reference work is ideal for administrators, policymakers, researchers, scholars, practitioners, instructors, and students.

In today's educational landscape, promoting students' mental health and well-being is a pressing concern. Schools face the challenge of addressing diverse mental health needs while creating supportive environments that foster resilience and emotional well-being. Effective Practices for Mental Health Promotion in Education offers a comprehensive solution by providing educators, counselors, and mental health professionals with practical strategies and evidence-based approaches to promote positive mental health within educational settings. From innovative curriculum designs to effective interventions, the book equips readers with the tools to address mental health challenges and create a nurturing environment for students. Drawing on research and real-world examples, Effective Practices for Mental Health Promotion in Education bridges the gap between theory and practice, empowering readers to implement effective mental health promotion initiatives. The book guides educators in creating inclusive environments prioritizing mental well-being by offering insights into fostering a sense of belonging, reducing stigma, and supporting students with diverse needs. Its focus on practical solutions and evidence-based practices serves as a guide for educators and mental health professionals seeking to create supportive environments that nurture students' mental health and well-being. It also encourages collaboration between schools, families, and communities to enhance mental health support systems and promote a holistic approach to student well-being.

This edited volume presents a systematic analysis of conceptual, methodological and applied aspects related to the validation of educational tests used in Latin American countries. Inspired by international standards on educational measurement and evaluation, this book illustrates efforts that have been made in several countries to validate different types of educational assessments, including student learning assessments, measurements of non-cognitive aspects in students, teacher evaluations, and tests for certification and selection. It gathers the experience of validity studies from the main international assessments in Latin America (PISA, TIMSS, ERCE, and ICCS). Additionally, it shows the challenges that must be taken into account when evaluations are used to compare countries, groups or trends of achievement over time. The book builds on the premise that measurements in the educational field should not be used if there are no studies that support the validity of the interpretation of their scores, or the use made of such tests. It shows that, despite the recognition given to validity, relatively few educational measurement assessments have accumulated enough evidence to support their interpretation and use. In doing so, this volume increases awareness about the relevance of validity, especially when assessments are key component of educational policies.

At the end of the last century, social emotional learning (SEL) emerged as a relevant theme in education all over the world. What is SEL? SEL may be defined as a multidimensional construct orchestrating individuals’ ability to identify and manage emotions, feelings, and concern for others, as well as to organize and manage behaviors toward goals, solve problems and develop positive relationships. SEL has been gaining growing popularity among researchers and practitioners. Still, there is a reasonable degree of ambiguity regarding the concept. In fact, the term is often used as an umbrella for many types of programs and interventions from distinct areas such as school, public health, mental health or character education, addressing the vulnerability of children and youth to various social and psychological problems. What is more, topics covered under the SEL umbrella are diverse as follows: emotions, cognition (including multiple intelligences), motivation, socialization in schools and families, and self-regulation and its effects.