The EU NESET Framework for Social and Emotional Education is a comprehensive social and emotional learning framework developed by NESET, a European Union (EU) advisory network of experts. This framework is designed to promote social and emotional education as a core component of European education, focusing on a set of intra- and interpersonal competencies, as well as resilience and academic learning-oriented skills.
The framework consists of four main content areas: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and social management. In the area of self-awareness, students are encouraged to recognize and label their emotions, identify their strengths and weaknesses, develop self-confidence and self-efficacy, and cultivate a sense of meaning and purpose in life. Self-management involves managing one's thoughts, emotions, and behaviour, as well as setting and monitoring personal and academic goals, engaging in critical thinking and problem-solving, and developing resilience skills to overcome difficulties and setbacks.
Social awareness focuses on students' ability to take the perspective of others, empathize with others, appreciate diversity and social inclusion, and demonstrate prosocial values and behaviours. Students are also encouraged to be aware of and use available resources and support networks in age-appropriate ways, and care for the physical environment. Social management involves developing healthy and rewarding relationships with individuals and groups, effective communication skills, cooperation and collaboration, leadership skills, and the ability to resist inappropriate social pressure and resolve interpersonal conflicts constructively.
The EU NESET Framework for Social and Emotional Education is a comprehensive approach that aims to foster the development of social and emotional competencies in students, enabling them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. It provides a guideline for educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders to integrate social and emotional learning into education and training systems across Europe, with the ultimate goal of promoting positive student outcomes and contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society.
