5 Reasons Students Should be Taught Emotional Intelligence

 Overview 

If we talk about the contemporary world today, nobody can deny the fact that the modern world is about skills. The better skills you acquire, the more you will thrive in the future.

Although every industry has a separate skill set required to thrive in the industry, one skill that is common and most important irrespective of the industry is having higher emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence is a skill set that should often be nurtured into individuals from the very beginning of their education only. While traditional education has often focused on academic intelligence, the importance of emotional intelligence has become increasingly recognized in recent years. That being the case, this blog will highlight 5 essential reasons, emotional intelligence needs to be taught in schools. However, before getting into the nitty gritty of that, it is important to understand what emotional intelligence is. 

What is emotional intelligence?

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, manage, and express one’s own emotions, and to also handle interpersonal relationships with empathy and consideration. It involves using various skills, such as self-awareness, emotional regulation, and problem-solving. Now that you have understood what exactly is emotional intelligence, let’s shed light on the importance of emotional intelligence. 

Importance of emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence enables us to recognize and express our own emotions accurately and to also recognize and respond to other people’s emotions. It allows us to create meaningful connections with others, build healthier relationships, and communicate effectively. It helps us recognize when and how to take control of our own emotions, manage our relationships with others, and regulate ourselves in difficult situations. Ultimately, it allows us to successfully navigate the complexities of life.

5 Critical Reasons Students Should be Emotionally Intelligence 

•  Helps in emotion management  

Emotion management is a complex concept that everyone feels is difficult to handle at various stages of life especially when it comes to puberty or teenagers. There often comes a time when students are not able to understand their mixed emotions because of various reasons. Now, this could be because of peer pressure or other academic stress. This happens because of a lack of emotional quotient.

When students will be able to understand their emotions and express them accurately, it would help them in managing their emotions in a more efficient manner.

 In fact, if we look at the research conducted by MacCann and her colleagues that analyzed the data from more than 160 studies concluded that students with higher emotional intelligence are better at handling their negative emotions that could lead to anxiety, disappointment, and can affect their academic performance in any way possible.

Teaching emotional intelligence to students can help them manage their emotions better by helping them recognize and understand their own emotions and the emotions of those around them. This would help in their stress management and will also contribute to their self-improvement. 

• Improved relationships and communication skills

The capacity to comprehend and control our own emotions, as well as the emotions of others, is one of the most significant benefits of emotional intelligence. This can greatly improve our relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. When students understand their own emotions and the emotions of those around them, they are better equipped to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and build strong connections.

For example, students who have higher emotional intelligence will comprehend the fact that their peers are upset or stressed out about something, and respond with empathy and understanding, rather than becoming defensive. Additionally, students who understand the importance of regulating their own emotions and communicating clearly can avoid misunderstandings and maintain positive relationships even in challenging situations. This would help in building positive relationships with people around them and will even contribute to the enhancement of their communication skills. 

• Increased empathy and compassion

Developing empathy and compassion is particularly important in today’s world, where there is a growing need for individuals who are able to understand and respect the perspectives and feelings of others. By learning about emotional intelligence, students can become more empathetic, compassionate, and understanding, which can help them build stronger relationships and create a more inclusive and tolerant society. 

For example, a student who has learned about others may be more likely to respond with kindness and understanding when a classmate is going through a difficult time, rather than ignoring their struggles or making insensitive comments. This type of empathy and compassion can have a profound impact on an individual’s relationships, as well as the wider community.

• better decision making

Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in decision-making, as emotions often drive our actions and reactions. By learning how to recognize, understand, and manage their emotions, students can become better decision-makers, making choices that are aligned with their values and goals.

For example, a student with strong emotional intelligence skills may be better able to handle a difficult situation in a calm and rational manner, rather than reacting impulsively and making a hasty decision. Additionally, students who are able to recognize and understand the emotions of others can make decisions that are respectful, empathetic, and considerate of the feelings of those around them.

• Enhanced academic performance

A recent research study revealed a clear relationship between essential components of emotional intelligence such as social skills, self-awareness, self-regulation,  self-motivation, social consciousness, and students’ academic accomplishment the main reason is students with higher emotional intelligence can significantly reflect on their actions using different reflection models and work on their self-improvement.

Students who are able to regulate their emotions and manage stress are more likely to stay focused and motivated in the classroom, leading to improved academic outcomes. Furthermore, students with strong emotional intelligence skills are better equipped to form positive relationships with teachers. 

For example, students with high emotions will stay focused during a challenging test, leading to improved academic performance.

For example, when faced with a difficult question, the student may be able to remain calm, regulate their emotions, and think through the problem logically. This helps them to stay focused and motivated, rather than becoming overwhelmed and discouraged, leading to improved test results and overall academic performance.

Conclusion

emotional intelligence is a crucial life skill that can greatly impact an individual’s success, happiness, and well-being.

By teaching students about emotional intelligence, we can help them develop stronger relationships, better mental health and well-being, increased empathy and compassion, better decision-making, and enhanced academic performance. It is important for schools to recognize the importance of emotional intelligence and incorporate it into their curriculums, as it will provide students with a foundation for success and happiness throughout their lives.