Emotional intelligence has gained prominence within educational circles, standing alongside Intelligence Quotient (IQ) as a crucial factor in shaping well-rounded and accomplished individuals. EQ, or Emotional Quotient, is defined as the ability to recognize, utilize, comprehend, and manage emotions in a healthy and effective manner. This skill empowers people to empathize with themselves and others, navigate challenging situations with resilience, and influences their relationships, academic performance, and response to pressure.
In a world that heavily emphasizes academic excellence, fostering emotional growth becomes increasingly challenging. Empathy and compassion are key aspects that help in building lasting, positive relationships. Human beings with emotional intelligence act from a place of empathy, reducing the likelihood of hurtful actions and fostering support among peers. This ability not only contributes to positive relationships but also enhances the learning process by helping people understand their own feelings as well as those of others. Moreover, emotionally intelligent people are better equipped to manage impulses, forming the foundation for healthy habits in life. It not only aids people in analyzing situations effectively, but also improves interactions with others and enhances their ability to tackle various challenges confidently.
When it comes to students, strong emotional intelligence does not let stress dominate their academic lives. This skill serves as a robust buffer, helping them handle stress factors more effectively. This resilience becomes a valuable asset as students transition to their professional lives. For all of us, it is important to understand that a solid emotional foundation equips us to handle setbacks, set achievable goals, make informed decisions, and address problems in a healthier manner, resulting in increased individual happiness and satisfaction. In fact research studies have revealed that emotional intelligence enables people in openly discussing their feelings, recognizing the importance of addressing their mental state. This willingness to communicate contributes to effective emotional management, a skill often lacking in people who are hesitant to express their emotions.
Since we hear so much about emotional intelligence, it is important to understand the difference between the more popular concept of IQ (Intelligence Quotient) versus EQ (Emotional Quotient). A conventional IQ test evaluates cognitive abilities by assessing vocabulary, reading comprehension, retention, reasoning, and mathematical skills. In contrast, EQ assessments focus on various facets such as compassion, intrinsic motivation, and the ability to navigate emotions. In a shift towards more progressive approaches to social-emotional learning, some schools are now incorporating EQ assessments to establish a baseline, akin to testing math or reading proficiency to gauge students’ initial levels. In cases where a child faces social challenges, some school counsellors also recommend an EQ test to identify specific skills that require attention.
At the same time, while cognitive skills such as verbal comprehension, memory, reasoning, and processing speed play a role in academic success, they alone have limitations in determining overall life achievements. Hence, complementing IQ with social-emotional skills like motivation, perseverance, impulse control, and effective coping mechanisms, help sustain success in various aspects of life.
Emotional intelligence also is something that we can observe when a child transitions into adolescence and adulthood, this is the time when EQ dictates decision-making, and guides individuals in utilizing their thoughts and emotions to manage stress, solve problems, and pursue goals. For instance, appropriate EQ is evident in a student who efficiently manages time to complete homework assignments, study for tests, holds a part-time job, applies to university, and successfully balances both family and peer relationships. Thus, EQ refers to our ability to sense emotion in ourself and in other people. And besides this, it also helps us understand how we use that awareness to guide our behavior.
The reassuring aspect is that, unlike IQ, which remains static, EQ has the potential to increase. However, achieving mastery in these skills may require explicit teaching and deliberate practice. And these may mean smallest of the things, like storytelling, which can be practiced through various formats such as picture books, oral narratives, dramatic play, role-playing, and independent reading. Storytelling may sound like a thing meant for small children, however, this skill is much needed at all ages. Because these help in becoming aware of our own feelings, further expressing those feelings, sharing, and being responsible.
As children progress through the grades, the educational focus transitions from social skills and emotional literacy to social responsibility, often termed “citizenship” in many elementary schools. Citizenship education involves teaching students to become valuable community members within the classroom. They are encouraged to organize their materials thoughtfully, show respect for others’ work and ideas, and engage in projects aimed at improving the school or community for the benefit of all.
While these may seem like fundamental skills, mastering them is imperative for us when it comes to concentration, overall behaviour, and building friendships. Initiatives like these play a crucial role in teaching us that we are part of a larger community, extending beyond our individual selves.
All said and done, bottom-line needs to be understood. Possessing a high IQ does not guarantee a high EQ, although a high EQ may suggest a similarly high or average IQ and can predict workplace success more effectively than IQ alone. While IQ is a predictor of academic achievement, it does not necessarily translate to success in one’s overall life. On the other hand, EQ serves as a better indicator of success and effectiveness in various aspects of life.
Dr. Benazir Patil is Chief Executive Officer – SCHOOL.