Ethics: Emotional Intelligence | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

Education was once mainly about developing cognitive skills, with intelligence seen as the key to academic success. However, recent research shows that non-cognitive skills and Emotional Intelligence (EI) are just as important in shaping a student's educational path.

What is Emotional Intelligence?

• Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and influence your own emotions and the emotions of others.
• The term was first used in 1990 by researchers John Mayer and Peter Salovey but became popular through psychologist Daniel Goleman.
• A high level of EI helps strengthen interpersonal skills, particularly in conflict management and communication, and fosters holistic personality development by enhancing non-cognitive skills.
• Non-cognitive skills include traits like grit, perseverance, academic interest, and the value placed on learning.

Difference between EQ and IQ

Importance of EI in Education

• Enhanced Academic Performance: Emotionally intelligent students can better manage stress, setbacks, and persevere through challenges. They exhibit improved focus and problem-solving abilities, enabling them to engage more effectively in the learning process.
• Positive Mental Health: Emotionally intelligent students are more likely to exhibit higher self-esteem, lower levels of anxiety and depression, and better overall mental well-being.
• Developing Empathy and Compassion: By understanding and recognizing emotions in themselves and others, students can develop empathy and compassion towards peers. This fosters a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students feel valued and understood.
• Nurturing Relationships through Effective Communication: EI equips students with the skills necessary to communicate their thoughts, needs, and emotions effectively. They learn to listen actively, respond empathetically, and resolve conflicts constructively, contributing to positive relationships with peers, teachers, and other members.
• Ensuring Long-term Success: EI is highly valued by employers and organizations as it helps individuals manage emotions, collaborate effectively, and exhibit strong interpersonal skills, which are critical in the workplace.
• Effective Leadership and Decision-making: Students with EI understand their strengths and weaknesses, possess self-confidence, and can motivate and inspire others.

Ways to Inculcate Emotional Intelligence

• Social-emotional Learning (SEL) Programs: These programs teach students how to manage their emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. For instance, Prerana Experiential Learning School in Vadnagar, Gujarat, offers a one-week residential program for experiential and inspirational learning.
• Collaborative Learning: Group projects, peer tutoring, and team-based activities encourage students to work together, share ideas, and develop social skills, improving teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution skills. An example is the Happiness Curriculum in Delhi.
• Reflection and Self-awareness Practices: Activities like meditation and journaling help students develop self-awareness and self-regulation, which are crucial components of EI.
• Empowering Teachers and Staff: Training teachers to recognize and respond to emotional needs, create emotionally safe classrooms, and implement restorative practices instead of punitive measures can foster EI in schools.
• Involving Parents and the Community: Engaging parents and the community in fostering EI practices at home and in society can create a holistic environment for developing emotional intelligence in students.
• Feedback System: Implementing a feedback system to measure the impact of EI initiatives through student surveys, academic performance, and behavioral indicators like peer relationships and discipline referrals can help in assessing progress.
• National Education Policy, 2020: Aligning with the NEP 2020, which emphasizes developing the creative potential of individuals by focusing on social, ethical, and emotional dispositions along with foundational and cognitive capabilities, can support the inculcation of EI. This includes multi-disciplinary education with the freedom to choose subjects, professional academic and career counseling, etc.

Application of Emotional Intelligence for Administrative Practices

• Self-assessment and Self-awareness: Understanding one's strengths and weaknesses allows for effective emotional management, helping administrators remain calm under pressure and respond strategically rather than react impulsively.
• Effective conflict resolution: EI aids in giving a holistic and objective view of a situation, facilitating effective conflict resolution through empathetic communication and interpersonal skills. For instance, social awareness develops a sensitive approach when handling issues like communal riots.
• Addressing conflicts of interest: Administrators often face conflicts of interest, and EI helps in guiding conscientious actions for decision-making.
• Anticipating needs and providing support: EI fosters inclusive and considerate leadership, upholding team spirit and improving efficiency and coordination within the team by finding mutually beneficial solutions rather than imposing decisions from above.
• Building an environment of trust: Developing social management skills through EI makes colleagues and citizens feel heard and supported, as demonstrated by IAS officers like Faiz Ahmed Mumtaz, who transformed the cybercrime hub of Jamtara through education and libraries.