Emotional intelligence is an essential skill in our society, both on a personal and professional level. If we extrapolate it to the field of education, when students feel understood, they are able to express their feelings better and collaborate with their peers more effectively. It is an approach that prepares future generations to face the challenges of today’s world with sensitivity and resilience. 

What would happen if schools prioritised not only the learning of mathematics or literature, but also the ability to manage emotions, promote empathy and resolve conflicts constructively from primary? How can we work on emotional intelligence in the classroom? 

In this article, we define and explain what emotional intelligence is, its benefits and the different types that exist. Furthermore, we will give some examples of how to build an ideal environment to educate with purpose, from any educational stage.

Definition of emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage our emotions, as well as to interpret and respond appropriately to the emotions of others.  

According to Daniel Goleman, one of the leading theorists in this field, emotional intelligence includes five fundamental pillars: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills.

It is a concept based on Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences which suggested different types of intelligence, such as interpersonal (how we relate to others) and intrapersonal (how we understand ourselves). Goleman merged these ideas and theorised what we know today as emotional intelligence.

Examples of people with emotional intelligence

Emotionally intelligent people not only stand out for what they are able to achieve, but also for how they achieve it. In the following, we will show you different types of emotional intelligence, through these examples:

Example 1: The empathetic leader

Good leaders not only give orders, but they also actively listen to their team, understanding their needs and looking for solutions that are beneficial for everyone. Therefore, a type of leadership based on empathy and understanding is a clear reflection of emotional intelligence.

Example 2: The reflective friend

People who are able to read others and know when they need to speak up, who encourage others without judgement and who can express their emotions clearly and honestly are also examples of emotional intelligence.

Example 3: The resilient student

This is the student who, after a difficult exam, does not dwell on failure, but uses it as an opportunity to improve and learn. This type of resilience is another facet of emotional intelligence in the educational environment.

The importance of emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence not only helps to improve our personal relationships, but also boosts our academic and professional performance.

  1. Better academic performance: students with high emotional intelligence are more likely to cope better with stress, which allows them to concentrate more on their studies and perform at their best.
  2. Stronger relationships: being able to understand and express emotions facilitates the creation of healthy and lasting connections.
  3. Preparation for adult life: skills such as self-regulation and empathy are essential for coping with the challenges of personal and professional life.

Were you also aware that studies show that success in life is more closely related to emotional intelligence than IQ? So this is all the more reason to work on it!

Emotional intelligence in education

Educating with emotional intelligence not only helps students learn more about the world around them, but also about their peers and themselves. 

How can we work on it in the classroom?

Besides developing isolated activities, working on emotional intelligence in the classroom requires a comprehensive and consistent approach. In this sense, here are some key steps to take:

  • Create a safe environment: students need to feel comfortable expressing their emotions without fear of judgement.
  • Encourage open dialogue: spaces such as dialogue circles allow students to talk about their emotions and learn to understand the emotions of others.
  • Model positive emotional behaviours: teachers play a crucial role in showing empathy, patience and self-regulation.
  • Teach emotional self-regulation techniques: activities such as deep breathing, meditation or mindfulness exercises help students to better manage stress and regulate their emotions.
  • Promote teamwork: collaborative dynamics strengthen skills such as empathy, effective communication and conflict resolution.
  • Incorporate stories or literature: analysing characters or situations from an emotional perspective enables students to reflect on how they feel and how to handle themselves in different scenarios.

Activities to work on emotional intelligence

When it comes to working with emotional intelligence, there are many activities that can help to enhance this learning:

  1. An emotions diary: reflecting on emotions helps to identify and deal with them. Therefore, it can be a good idea to provide students with a notebook where they can write down how they are feeling every day.  
  2. Dialogue circles: this involves getting together with students to discuss how they feel and how they handle various situations, which encourages empathy and open communication.
  3. Role-playing: by simulating everyday situations in the classroom, such as a conflict between peers, we can teach them how to handle such situations in a constructive way.
  4. Reading emotional stories: we can use books that deal with emotional issues and discuss how the characters feel. This activity often works very well with younger students.
  5. Community service projects: by involving students in solidarity activities such as collecting food for the needy, cooperation and empathy can be fostered.

In summary, working with emotional intelligence has become a necessity in today’s world. It helps to train students not only on an academic level, but also on an emotional level and is a commitment to a more empathetic, resilient and collaborative future.