How Pupils Can be Helped to Develop Socially and Emotionally in Science Lessons

In this article, the authors argue that secondary school academic subjects should integrate elements of pastoral work into their teaching through the use of collaborative group work. Pupils who are given the opportunity to develop emotionally and socially are more likely to understand each other, which can lead to a reduction of conflict in the classroom. Social and emotional development can be facilitated in normal school lessons, such as science, through structured group work. The evidence shows that pupils do improve their communication and understanding of other pupils in the class, developing their emotional literacy. Further investigation indicates that benefits are sustained and that the class is more cohesive and mutually supportive.