Solutions from Ukraine: Ukrainian schools introduce "Zerna" project to promote social-emotional learning
Photo: Ministry of Education and Science
In March of this year, a pilot program for the "Zerna" social-emotional training was launched under the memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Education and Culture and the LEGO Foundation.
The Ministry of Education and Science reports this.
What is the problem?
"Programs such as "Zerna" are essential today. They help to strengthen the psychological stability of children and create a favorable environment for developing their social and emotional skills," Deputy Minister of Education and Science Andriy Stashkiv said during a welcoming meeting with representatives of pilot institutions.
What is the solution?
So, in March 2024, as part of the agreement between the Ministry of Education and Culture and the LEGO Foundation, a pilot project was started to implement the "Zerna" social-emotional training program.
The initiative is implemented with the support of the Laboratory for Environmental Approaches to Social-Emotional Learning (EASEL Lab) of the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
According to the website, "Zerna" is a scientifically-backed program created by experts from Harvard University. It is based on the examination of over 50 successful social-emotional learning programs. The program includes various games, practices, and exercises modified to be user-friendly and adaptable. These can be seamlessly incorporated into educational settings without extra resources.
How does it work?
The "Zerna" program will be tested in elementary schools and grades 5-6 of 10 general secondary education institutions in:
- Vinnytsia,
- Dnipropetrovsk,
- Lviv,
- Mykolaiv,
- and Cherkasy regions from March to August 2024.
A team from Harvard Graduate School of Education and trainers from the LEGO Foundation trained the teachers in these schools. They also received all the necessary teaching methods and resources.
Starting in September 2024, the project will be implemented nationwide, gradually including preschools and high schools in collaboration with postgraduate pedagogical education institutes. The initiative will be carried out from 2024 until 2026, with scientific and monitoring studies conducted throughout the process.
The "Zerna" program is implemented in 12 countries, including the USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Estonia, and Ukraine, which will join this community this year.
For reference:
It should be noted that the Ukrainian educational initiative" STEM is FEM" is creating the country's first STEM ecosystem that aims to bring together various organizations, individuals, and concepts towards promoting education and career opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Rubryka wrote that Ukrainian schools set aside seven days in January and February this year to develop STEM skills in students. Engineering Week is a project that helps to develop creativity, independence, and ingenuity in schoolchildren.
The article by Rubryka explains how the organizers ensure that even the most remote schools can access and participate in inclusive STEM education for students with special educational needs. For more information, check out our piece titled "Engineering Week promotes inclusive popularization of STEM education in Ukrainian schools."
