ERIC Number: EJ1413247
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 42
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0311-2543
EISSN: EISSN-1446-0017
A Rites of Passage Framework for Fostering Social and Emotional Learning in Adolescent Boys
Jarrod Kayler-Thomson
Education Research and Perspectives, v50 p116-157 2023
The developmental shifts encountered by boys during adolescence can have long-term implications for mental health. This paper describes a holistic approach to wellbeing and development (the On Queenslea Drive, or OQD, program), which draws upon a traditional Rites of Passage framework to support the development of boys during this period. This approach draws upon a boy's entire community to help him reflect and learn the skills needed to empower him to take his next steps in life. To provide a preliminary evaluation of this approach, 12 staff members involved in implementing the program in one school reflected upon their experiences and their perspectives on its impact on boys' development. Data were collected via regular journal entries and a survey. Results indicated that the program was perceived to have a positive impact in several areas, including relationships with parents, relationships with peers, and relationships and understanding of young women in the community. The program was also seen to increase independence through teaching the boys essential life skills. Boys' social and emotional vocabulary was noted also to grow while they were engaged in the program. Implications for enhancing the efficacy of the program long-term, and extending it to other context are considered.
Descriptors: Males, Adolescents, Social Emotional Learning, Well Being, Adolescent Development, Program Effectiveness, Interpersonal Relationship, Daily Living Skills, Vocabulary Development, Foreign Countries, Grade 9, Empowerment, Residential Programs, Journal Writing, Reflection, Competition
University of Western Australia. 35 Stirling Highway Crawley, Perth, 6009 Australia. Tel: +61-8-6488-2388; Fax: +61-8-6488-1052; e-mail: gse@uwa.edu.au; Web site: https://www.erpjournal.net/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 9; High Schools; Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A