Paper Title
Social and Emotional Competence of Elementary Students in Vietnam: Gender Differences and Collectivist Competencies

Abstract
This paper examines the capacities of social and emotional learning (SEL) of elementary school students in Vietnam. A total of 1004 students from 5 elementary schools were involved. Results suggested that boys and girls rated their SEL competencies differently with higher self-evaluation from girls in all SEL elements. The interpersonal SEL domain including self-awareness and self-management was rated higher compared to the intrapersonal SEL elements. The study offers explanation regarding gender gaps and the influence of Confucianism on these differences. It is not always that people come from collective cultures focus on intrapersonal SEL elements as previous studies argued. Keywords - Social emotional learning, self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationships skills, responsible decision-making, gender, cultural differences.