Social Skills in the Formation of Elementary and Middle School Students: A Review of the Literature in the Latin American Setting

Abstract

This article presents a review of the literature on education studies that show methods to develop social skills (HS) in primary and secondary schools in Latin America, identifying which skills are developed and their relevance. Based on the review carried out in the databases, 21 sources are analyzed, systematizing them in an analysis matrix. Among the results, it was found that social skills, such as self-control and assertiveness, protect against committing infringing acts. In addition, it was found that the family climate and self-concept can positively or negatively affect students' HS. Likewise, it was evidenced that internet addiction inhibits the development of HS. On the other hand, intervention programs, the inclusion of HS in curricular designs and the development of socio-emotional skills in teachers, are the methods used by Latin American schools for the development of HS in students. Finally, it is concluded that the development of HS from an early age promotes in students abilities to face different social situations, allowing a healthy relationship with the other members of the educational community.