Evaluating the Efficacy of PATHS Program in Chinese Preschoolers SEL: An Experiment Trial

• In Event: Division H Graduate Student Poster Session: Fresh Perspectives on Research, Evaluation, Assessment, and Accountability in Schools

Abstract

The PATHS curriculum is a comprehensive program for promoting emotional and social competencies and reducing aggression and behavior problems in preschool children while simultaneously enhancing the educational process in the classroom. This program is popular and welcomed in western countries, while studies are insufficient on PATHS program applications in China. This study's primary goal is to examine the effectiveness of PATHS program among Chinese preschoolers by an experiment trial and consider the influences of PATHS educators' backgrounds, children's demographics, and children's family backgrounds. Results indicate that PATHS program significantly promoted social-emotional learning outcomes. Also, teachers with more teaching experiences, parent(s) with higher education levels, healthier family structures, and appropriate caregivers will positively and significantly contribute to social-emotional learning outcomes.

Author

• Menglong Cong, University of Denver