Formation of Socio-Emotional Skills and their Effects on Educational Attainment

On March 3, 2024, the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) convened a seminar entitled "Formation of Socio-Emotional Skills and their Impact on Educational Achievement" at the BIDS conference room. During the seminar, Dr. Shyamal Chowdhury, Professor, Department of Economics, University of Sydney, delivered a presentation on his research paper. The seminar commenced at 2:30 pm and concluded at 4:30 pm (BST). 

Dr. Binayak Sen, Director General of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), chaired and moderated the event. 

Dr. Shyamal Chowdhury’s study revealed that providing primary-level students with social-emotional skills at an early age can immensely impact their mental growth and intelligence. It helps to improve patience, self-control and ability to socialize, especially for students studying between the second and fifth grades. 

According to the study, teaching children basic life and social skills can improve their academic performance by up to 20 percent. Dr Chowdhury identified three key social-emotional skills—namely patience, self-control, and socialization—which are associated with significant life outcomes including educational achievement, employment opportunities, health, financial stability, and overall life satisfaction. He emphasized focusing on early-stage development in his presentation. 

Dr. Binayak Sen pointed out that as the findings indicate children up to the second grade exhibit the highest level of receptivity, the government should emphasize ensuring no dropouts during this crucial stage.