ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the notion of student engagement and what it means for middle years learners. It also explores importance of student wellbeing and, in particular, a number of social and emotional competencies and how these competencies support student engagement. According to the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, student wellbeing can be defined as ‘a sustainable state characterised by predominantly positive feelings and attitude, positive relationships at school, resilience, self-optimisation and a high level of satisfaction with learning experiences’. A scoping study into approaches to student wellbeing found strong links between student wellbeing and student learning outcomes. A critical component of student wellbeing in the middle years is the distinct social and emotional needs that require attention. An increasing amount of research is highlighting the positive results that social and emotional learning has for students on their attitudes, sense of belonging, academic outcomes and reduced antisocial behaviour, including bullying and violence.
