“Teachers teach me, you help me grow!” Maltese PSD methodology toward emotional literacy and wellbeing

Abstract

Personal and Social Development (PSD) is a Maltese statutory school subject in all primary and secondary schools. The chapter analyses the seven philosophical, sociological and psychological theoretical orientations that provide the conceptual framework, namely the positive, the humanistic, the critical, the progressive, the constructivist, the developmental and the contextual. An emphasis on personal and social skills clearly indicate that the subject is student-centred and develops the individual holistically for the employability and the wellbeing, thus creating a society based on values and competences. The chapter differentiates between emotional intelligence (EI) and emotional literacy (EL) and presents the Emotional Competence Framework – self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. EL is a skill that is enhanced throughout PSD sessions, both within the activities as well as during the processing. In conclusion, the chapter focuses on how PSD practice develops the emotional wellbeing of the students, making a difference in their life. It is also an eye-opener for policymakers and key stakeholders to ensure that EL is practised throughout the entire education system and by all educators, since it prevents against mental illnesses, social problems and challenging behaviour.