Professor Ogawa’s co-edited a book “Social and Emotional Learning: Education for the Future through SEL and Non-Cognitive Skills”

Professor Ogawa’s co-edited book, “Social and Emotional Learning: Education for the Future through SEL and Non-Cognitive Skills (社会性と情動の学習―SELと非認知スキルで未来を拓く教育)”, has recently been published by Toshindo.

This book systematically organizes multifaceted concepts such as “social and emotional competencies,” “non-cognitive skills,” and “zest for living (Ikiru chikara),” drawing on the latest insights from institutions including research from Harvard University, as well as OECD and UNESCO. It examines how individual skills contribute to well-being and, ultimately, how they can support the social transformation, offering perspectives from both theoretical and practical dimensions. Bridging academic knowledge with policy and practice, the book provides a foundation for rethinking the future of education and offers important insights for all stakeholders in education, including policymakers, researchers, and educators.

A key strength of this volume lies not only in its conceptual clarification but also in its systematic analysis of how these concepts can be positioned and operationalized within educational practice and policy. By engaging with a wide range of theoretical frameworks, the book reconsiders Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), promoting interdisciplinary understanding while maintaining a strong orientation toward practical application.

Another notable feature is the diversity of contributors involved in the volume. Co-editors include Dr. Suguru Mizunoya (Technical Cooperation Team Leader, UNESCO IIEP) and Ms. Yuri Obara Belfali (Head of Division, Early Childhood and Schools, Directorate for Education and Skills, OECD), both of whom have served as visiting professors at this graduate school, contributing to joint research supervision and intensive lectures. In addition, contributors include Mr. Koji Miyamoto (Senior Economist for Education Global Practice, World Bank), Dr. Shinichiro Tanaka (Senior Advisor, Japan International Cooperation Agency [JICA]), and Ms. Miki Hasebe (CEO, White Ship / Board Member, ELAB), offering multifaceted perspectives on the significance and potential of SEL.

From this graduate school, Associate Professor Katsuki Sakaue, Project Assistant Professors Kexin Wang and Ayumi Yagi, Research Fellow Kohei Uno, and Noa Yokogawa (Doctoral Student), as well as alumni Dr. Ryuto Minami (Researcher, University of Tokyo), have also contributed chapters to the volume. Furthermore, Chapters 10 and 11 feature a dialogue among Professor Kazuo Kuroda (Waseda University), Professor Naoki Umemiya (Sophia University), and Professor Yuto Kitamura (University of Tokyo), providing a more multifaceted exploration of SEL.

The book also includes an endorsement from Professor Kan Suzuki (Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Tokyo), who describes it as “a comprehensive synthesis of knowledge from Japan and abroad that offers important insights into learning that nurtures humanity in the age of AI.” This volume presents an essential perspective for envisioning the future of education and stands as a valuable resource that bridges theory and practice in the field of SEL.

Relevant Link:
Toshindo (東信堂)
Amazon
Shindaijin no Hon(神大人の本)
News in GSICS, Kobe University
Dr. Suguru Mizunoya Website

Authored by Noa Yokogawa (Doctoral Student)