The importance of emotional intelligence in education

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognise, understand, choose and control how we think, feel and act. It helps us interact with others and understand who we are. It defines our learning style, helps us to set priorities and determines the majority of our daily actions. Research has revealed that emotional intelligence is almost as important as cognitive intelligence.

Emotional intelligence is responsible for as much as 80 percent of the ‘success’ in our lives

-J. Freedman

Those who have emotional intelligence are better able to manage challenging emotions that could interfere with their ability to learn. Self-awareness, emotional regulation, self-motivation, empathy and relationship skills are the five basic entrails of emotional intelligence. They are necessary for effective communication with people and also open the door to better learning, friendships, academic succes and jobs.

The best schools in Gurgaon assimilate emotional intelligence and combined it with the curriculum. Emotional intelligence has become a dominant part of education.  

Here are some reasons why Emotional intelligence is important in education.

• Improved academic achievement

New studies reveal that teaching students to be emotionally and socially competent boosts their academic achievement. 

-Daniel Goleman 

Students with higher emotional intelligence are better at managing stress, coping with failures, staying motivated and focusing on what they do. They posses a greater spirit of sportsmanship and are capable of accepting victory or defeat with integrity. 

It also makes them resilient and leads to better academic performance, higher grades and more successful learning outcomes.  The top 10  schools in Gurgaon create a framework with the learners to provide feedback and suggestions to their peers and friends while ensuring they are specific, kind and helpful. It makes them receptive, resilient and empathetic, and also helps them build positive relationships.

• Enhanced social skills

Emotional intelligence has a significant impact on happiness.

-Reuven Bar

Some of the best schools in Gurgaon are incorporating social and emotional learning programs to promote emotional intelligence. These schools conduct various sessions for students from a very young age through numerous activities. They help students develop better social skills such as empathy, communication and conflict resolution. These skills are critical for building positive relationships with teachers, peers and family members.

• Better mental health

To promote emotional intelligence and improve mental health, some of the top 10 schools in Gurgaon also conduct yoga sessions through bookworm yoga and mindful breathing through yoga. These help the students become aware of their thoughts, emotions and behaviours. When students can recognize and manage their emotions, they are less likely to experience anxiety. To enhance self-management skills, the best schools in Gurgaon organise regular self-reflection sessions whereby the learners revisit the day before dispersal and jot down their learnings and experiences.

The introduction to the goal and setting goals starts from a very young  age. The students set specific and age-appropriate academic, social and goals to improve their work habits. They work towards their goals throughout the year and keep reviewing them from time to time and updating the achieved ones. The students become more confident and this creates a positive impact on a student's mental health. 

• Empathy: Emotional intelligence (EI) enables students understand and identify with the emotions and experiences of others. This allows them to connect with their peers at a deeper level and respond to their needs and concerns compassionately.
• Communication: Students with high EI can communicate more effectively, using verbal and nonverbal cues to express themselves and interpret the emotions of others. They are also better able to listen actively and respond appropriately to what others are saying.
• Conflict resolution: Emotional Intelligence assists students in developing the abilities required to settle disagreements in a positive and constructive manner. During circle time and during headstart activities, the kids are assigned diverse tasks in which they must collaborate with different groups and students with comparable and dissimilar skillsets, Collaboration sometimes leads to conflict. Through these activities, students learn to manage their emotions, articulate and express themselves clearly, and work collaboratively with others to find mutually acceptable solutions.
• Relationship building: EI supports students to develop strong and positive relationships with their peers and with other members of the school community. They learn to build trust, respect and rapport with others, which can lead to higher social and academic success.
• Collaboration: Students with high EI are more effective team players and work more efficiently in teams to achieve a common objective. They possess the skill of understanding others' perspectives, of being specific and kind while providing feedback and suggestions, and being receptive to new ideas. At Vegam we provide ample opportunities through Project exhibitions, Student-led conferences and clubs to enhance their emotional intelligence while doing teamwork.

Emotional intelligence is a critical factor in developing better social skills which are essential for success in all areas of life. By promoting EI in schools, schools can help students develop the skills they need to build positive relationships, communicate effectively, and work. Emotional intelligence begins in the earliest years. Children's interactions with their parents, teachers and each other carry emotional messages.